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The Modulating Effect of Cognitive Reserve on Dysfunctional Beliefs in Aging
Rosa Angela Fabio1, Alessia Giordano2
1Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Europe'S Journal of Psychology
|March 6, 2026
Summary
Cognitive reserve (CR) protects older adults, enhancing cognitive performance and reducing negative beliefs and motivations. Higher CR is linked to better cognitive function and more positive outlooks in aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
- Psychological Well-being in Older Adults
Background:
- Cognitive reserve (CR) is a key factor in maintaining cognitive function during aging.
- Understanding CR's influence on psychological factors like beliefs and motivation is crucial for late adulthood.
- Previous research highlights CR's role in cognitive resilience, but its impact on emotional-motivational patterns needs further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive reserve (CR) and cognitive performance in older adults.
- To examine the relationship between CR, dysfunctional beliefs, and motivational orientation in aging.
- To elucidate the protective role of CR in late adulthood beyond cognitive resilience.
Main Methods:
- 100 older adults (65-93 years) completed the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (DBQ).
- Motivational orientation was assessed via qualitative responses, categorized into thematic domains.
- Correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to analyze the relationships between CR, cognitive performance, beliefs, and motivation.
Main Results:
- Higher CR significantly correlated with better cognitive functioning (MoCA scores) and fewer dysfunctional beliefs.
- Individuals with higher CR exhibited more positive motivational themes and fewer negative ones.
- SEM confirmed that CR directly predicted cognitive performance, dysfunctional beliefs, and motivational orientation, supporting its multifaceted protective role.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive reserve (CR) acts as a significant protective factor in aging, enhancing cognitive function and promoting adaptive emotional-motivational patterns.
- CR is associated with reduced dysfunctional beliefs, particularly self-criticism and frustration intolerance, contributing to psychological well-being.
- The findings suggest a dynamic interplay between cognitive resources, emotional-motivational functioning, and individual differences, underscoring CR's importance in healthy aging.
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