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Environmental determinants of memory improvement in late adulthood
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Memory in nursing home residents improved through increased cognitive engagement. Both interpersonal and practical motivators enhanced short-term memory and resident alertness, mental activity, and social adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Nursing Home Care
Background:
- Nursing home residents often experience cognitive decline, impacting memory and overall well-being.
- Environmental and motivational factors can influence cognitive function in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for improving memory in nursing home residents.
- To examine the effects of increased cognitive demand and varying motivation on memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with nursing home residents.
- Study 1: Motivation manipulated via reciprocal self-disclosure in dyadic interactions.
- Study 2: Motivation manipulated by outcome contingencies for cognitive activities.
Main Results:
- Engaging in cognitive activities improved performance on short-term memory tests (probe recall, pattern recall).
- Experimental groups showed improvements in nurses' ratings of alertness, mental activity, and social adjustment compared to controls.
- Both interpersonal and practical incentives led to cognitive improvements.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive engagement, enhanced by motivation, can significantly improve memory in nursing home residents.
- Interventions increasing cognitive demand and motivation are effective for enhancing cognitive function and psychosocial well-being in this population.