Article

Difficulties in the execution of goal-directed behaviours, and particularly their
prospective memory component, can arise in ageing and have important consequences
for autonomy. The first objective of this article is to present an intervention
that trained older individuals who reported prospective memory or goal-directed
behaviour problems to use "implementation intentions".
This technique, which has
been shown to improve different aspects of goal-directed behaviour enactment,
consists of establishing a mental (verbal and/or visual) link between the action
that must be performed and the situation in which it must be performed. Our
programme proposes exercises of progressively increasing difficulty that are
targeted at daily life situations. Our second objective was to test the programme
in small groups of older adults. Preliminary data regarding the programme's
feasibility and its initial efficacy show a significant improvement in the main
outcome measure, a questionnaire assessing goal-directed behaviours in everyday
life. The participants also reported being significantly less bothered by their
difficulties, although there were no significant changes in quality of life,
self-esteem, anxiety or depression. Two participants with different psychological
profiles, who benefited differently from the intervention, are then presented in
more detail.

Langue : ANGLAIS