Metamemory and aging: Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for elderly

ABSTRACT Metamemory measures provide subjective memory information and are relevant to investigate memory ability in aging. However, there is a lack of metamemory instruments available in Brazil. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), which evaluates different dimensions of subjective memory functioning, such as Feelings, Abilities and Strategies used in everyday life. Methods: The MMQ was translated into Portuguese and administered to 30 Brazilian elderly subjects. The participants underwent cognitive tests, mood scales and metamemory instruments. Results: Analyses revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's a coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.89) and test-retest validity for each MMQ dimensions (positive correlations between two applications ranged from 0.75 to 0.8). Convergent validity evidence for the MMQ was confirmed by significant positive correlations (0.47 to 0.68) with dimensions of the Metamemory in Adulthood scale (MIA) (i.e., the Ability, Control, Self-efficacy and Strategy dimensions). Discriminant validity revealed no associations between the MMQ and cognitive performance, suggesting a weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between MMQ-Ability subscale scores and mood symptoms (-0.63 for anxious symptoms, and -0.54 for depressive symptoms); and the Brazilian MMQ was comparable with MMQ translations to other languages. Conclusion: The Brazilian MMQ exhibits good psychometric properties and appears promising for clinical and research purposes. Additional studies are needed to further examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian MMQ in a larger sample.

摘要
元记忆（metamemory）测评可提供主观记忆相关信息，与衰老人群的记忆能力研究密切相关。然而目前巴西境内可用的元记忆测评工具较为匮乏。
研究目的：本研究旨在检验多因素记忆问卷（Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire，MMQ）巴西版的心理测量学特性，该问卷可评估日常情境下主观记忆功能的不同维度，包括感受、能力与日常使用的记忆策略。
研究方法：本研究将MMQ译为葡萄牙语，并对30名巴西老年受试者进行施测。所有受试者均接受了认知测验、情绪量表及元记忆工具测评。
研究结果：分析结果显示，MMQ各维度均具有良好的内部一致性（克朗巴赫α系数介于0.75至0.89之间）与重测效度（两次施测间的相关系数为0.75至0.8）。成人元记忆量表（Metamemory in Adulthood Scale，MIA）的各维度与MMQ各维度均存在显著正相关（相关系数0.47至0.68），证实了MMQ具有良好的聚合效度。区分效度分析显示，MMQ得分与客观认知表现无显著关联，提示元记忆与客观记忆之间的对应关系较弱。此外，MMQ-能力分量表得分与情绪症状呈显著负相关（焦虑症状相关系数为-0.63，抑郁症状相关系数为-0.54）；巴西版MMQ与其他语言版本的MMQ具有可比性。
研究结论：巴西版MMQ具备良好的心理测量学特性，在临床与科研场景中具有应用潜力。未来仍需开展更大样本量的研究，以进一步验证巴西版MMQ的心理测量学特性。