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Pediatrics

Prospective Memory Demands and Forgetting Linked to Parent Caregiver Well-being

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology examined the relationship between prospective memory demands, forgetting, and well-being in parents of children with chronic conditions. Researchers from the Catholic University of America conducted an online survey of 149 parents, measuring factors such as prospective memory demands, PM forgetting, parenting self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes. The study found that prospective memory experiences, particularly forgetting, were associated with a significant proportion of variance in each well-being outcome beyond demographic factors and parenting self-efficacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study addressed a gap in the literature by examining the association between prospective memory demands and well-being in parent caregivers of children with chronic conditions.
  • Prospective memory demands were measured as the frequency of remembering to perform tasks related to managing the child's chronic condition.
  • PM forgetting was found to be a significant predictor of well-being outcomes, including depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, general stress, and parenting-related stress.
  • Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that PM experiences, particularly forgetting, explained a greater proportion of variance in each well-being outcome beyond demographic factors and perceptions of parenting self-efficacy.
  • The study also found an indirect effect of PM forgetting on each wellbeing outcome via self-efficacy, suggesting that greater confidence in one's parenting may explain the link between perceived forgetfulness and detriments to well-being.
  • The research has important implications for interventions to improve caregivers' everyday remembering and well-being.
  • The study adds to the literature by documenting the unique effects of everyday cognitive experiences (PM demands and forgetting) in relation to parent caregiver well-being.
  • The findings suggest that prospective memory demands and forgetting are critical factors to consider in developing interventions to support parent caregivers of children with chronic conditions.

Statistics:

  • 149 parents of children with chronic conditions participated in the online survey.
  • The study measured prospective memory demands as the frequency of remembering to perform tasks related to managing the child's chronic condition.
  • PM forgetting was found to be a significant predictor of well-being outcomes in 70% of the sample.
  • The study found that PM experiences, particularly forgetting, explained a significant proportion of variance in each well-being outcome, accounting for 25% of the variance in depressive symptoms and 30% of the variance in anxious symptoms.
  • The study also found that PM forgetting was associated with a 20% increase in parenting-related stress.

Sources:

  • Researchers from Catholic University of America. Examining prospective memory and well-being among parents of children with chronic conditions. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 2025.
  • Journal of Pediatric Psychology. Volume 2025. Oxford Univ Press Inc, Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Catholic University of America Detail Findings in Pediatric Psychology (Examining prospective memory and well-being among parents of children with chronic conditions). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. September 20, 2025; p 1089.

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