Aging and Inhibition: Introduction to the Special Issue

Inhibitory theory suggests that a major determinant of individual differences in cognitive performance (including differences that are typically observed with increasing age) is the ability to dampen down goal-irrelevant stimuli, thoughts, and actions. While this theory has garnered a lot of support over the years, it has also seen several challenges. This special issue of Psychology and Aging entitled "Aging and Inhibition: The View Ahead" continues with this theme and includes 14 articles by top researchers in the field of cognitive aging. While most of the articles included here lend support to the theory, some challenge it or provide limiting conditions. We organize our overview of these articles according to the different functions, or stages, of inhibition, which we refer to as access, deletion, and restraint, followed by a discussion of potential moderators, including practice, motivation, and arousal. In our view, these articles contribute to our understanding of how and when age differences in inhibitory control are observed and the wider implications (both positive and negative) for cognition.