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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
The effects of a control-enhancing intervention for nursing home residents: cognition and locus of control as
Cay Anderson-Hanley1, Sarah R Meshberg, Melissa A Marsh
1Department of Psychology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866, USA. chanley@skidmore.edu
Objective:
This study aimed to clarify which older adults benefit most from a control-enhancing intervention; in particular, whether cognitive functioning or locus of control might moderate the benefit derived.
Methods:
Nursing home residents were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) a control-enhanced condition that provided the option of caring for a plant (n=10), and (2) a comparison condition that monitored any change under the standard of care (n=10). Comparison group participants were subsequently offered the intervention, which led to a total of 17 intervention participants.
Results:
Cognitive function and locus of control were found to significantly moderate the effects of the control-enhancing intervention on residents' perceived health competency, but not depression or life satisfaction.
Significance Of Results:
Interventions for nursing home residents could be tailored to fit specific needs. Screening for cognitive function and locus of control may help predict who is likely to benefit from control-enhancing interventions.
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