Development and validation of the working memory self-assessment scale

Aim. Because working memory is involved in many daily life activities, its ecological evaluation is a key dimension of the neuropsychological assessment of people with cognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a 30-items self-assessment scale of working memory, the WMSS (Working Memory Self-Assessment Scale). Method. The WMSS and a comprehensive assessment battery of working memory and executive functions were administered to sixty French-speaking individuals (20 young, 20 old, 20 old-old). Results. The internal validity of the scale was strong as estimated by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = .93). Concerning the external validity, several correlations were obtained between the WMSS and the cognitive composite scores. Unlike old subjects, the lower cognitive results young and old-old subjects had, the more working memory complaints they expressed. Discussion. The WMSS shows a satisfactory internal as well as external validity since young and old-old subjects who reported more difficulties (WMSS) are those who obtained lower cognitive results. The somewhat surprising relationship between the WMSS and the cognitive tasks in the old group can be explained by an increased perception of cognitive changes and a more complex life style in old subjects with better cognitive abilities.