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Publications [#254450] of Keith E. Whitfield

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Journal Articles

  1. Ayotte, BJ; Allaire, JC; Whitfield, KE (2012). Understanding within-group variability of everyday cognition in aging Black/African American adults: A mimic (multiple indicators, multiple causes) model approach. Experimental Aging Research, 38(5), 488-510. [doi]
    (last updated on 2017/07/31)

    Abstract:
    Background/Study Context: Everyday cognition represents the ability to solve problems within domains that are representative of issues faced by adults on a daily basis. The current study examined individual differences in everyday cognitive ability among aging Black/African American adults. Methods: Demographic data on age, gender, education, physical functioning, chronic illnesses, self-reported health, and depression were collected from 248 African American adults (mean age=67.8 years, standard deviation=8.47 years). A multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) modeling approach was used to examine the associations of individual characteristics with latent everyday cognitive ability and composite score indicators. Results: Age, depressive symptoms, and number of chronic illnesses were negatively related to latent everyday cognition. The individual characteristics of age, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and education were directly associated with composite indicators of latent everyday cognition. This suggests that within this sample of older Black/African American adults that certain composite scores (i.e., telephone use, food preparation, and finances) may be particularly sensitive to these individual characteristics. Conclusion: These results identify specific sources of variability in everyday cognitive ability among aging Blacks/African Americans. These individual differences should be accounted for when studying everyday cognition among Blacks/African Americans and when comparing the everyday cognitive ability of Blacks/African Americans with other groups. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.


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