Effect of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of the elderly A pilot project
Thais Sisti De Vincenzo Schultheisz1, Regiane Ribeiro de Aquino1, Ana Beatriz Ferreira Alves2,3
1Estudante de Doutorado no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Saúde, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
According to the WHO, by 2025 Brazil will be ranked sixth in the world in terms of proportion of elderly in the population. Within this scope, cognition plays a central role in the aging process, having an important association with quality of life, which suggests the need to develop intervention programs, such as cognitive training.
Objective:
To determine the effects of a program of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of elderly people.
Methods:
Thirty-eight elderly subjects completed the three-step protocol: 1) Survey of demographic data and evaluation of cognition by a neuropsychological battery and of self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), prior to training; 2) Participation in twelve cognitive stimulation workshops; and 3) Cognitive evaluation and RSS after the training.
Results:
Results showed that the use of training produced positive effects on cognitive test performance of the elderly with and without cognitive impairment. By extension, this demonstrates positive impact on their self-esteem.
Conclusion:
These findings encourage investment in cognitive stimulation programs as a resource for improved cognition and quality of life for the elderly. Subjective cognitive complaint may have served as a predictor of decreased self-esteem; therefore, as training improved cognition, it also improved self-esteem.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Dissonance
Language and Cognition
Cognitive Therapy
Cognition and Behavior
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Trait and State Self-Esteem


