Memory self-efficacy and the use of the BrainTrainerPlus™

Beliefs about one’s capacity to use memory effectively, Memory Self-Efficacy or MSE, has an important role in research of cognitive aging, because there is a correlation between age and MSE (Welch & West, 1995). There are multiple causes of the fact that elderly people have a lower MSE than younger people (Hertzog, Hultsch & Dixon, 1989). Nevertheless, it is possible to increase MSE (McDougall, 2001). Sources that can increase MSE are positive feedback and mastery experiences. This study investigates the effects of the BrainTrainerPlus™ as an intervention for MSE in the elderly. The BrainTrainerPlus™ provides positive feedback and adjusts the level to every single user, so there is a high probability of mastery experiences.
Participants were recruited in nursing homes and day care centers in Deventer and Apeldoorn. 53 participants took part in this study; they were divided over an experimental group (N = 30) and a control group (N = 23). Both groups have had a training period of five weeks in which they performed the ‘Daily Training’ on the BrainTrainerPlus™ fifteen times. The experimental condition received positive feedback on their answers; the control group didn’t receive feedback.

MSE was measured with the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire (MIA).  The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to measure the mood. For quality of life, the MOS Short-form Health Status Survey (SF-36) was used and cognitive functioning was measured with the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). These tests were administered at three different moments: a pre-test, a test directly after the training period and a post-test three weeks after finishing the training period.

In the experimental condition MSE improved significantly directly after the training period. Furthermore, there is a decrease of depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning was improved. In the control group there was no increase of MSE, but there was an improvement of cognitive functioning. For the entire research population there are significant improvements of MSE, mood and cognitive functioning directly after the training period. In the follow-up period, memory functioning is improved when compared to both the test directly after the training period. In the same period, the general health evaluation had decreased.
The BrainTrainerPlus™ appears to have positive effects on MSE, mood and cognitive functioning. This provides evidence for the existence of the presumed sensitivity to positive feedback in this target group. This also gives indirect evidence for the effectiveness of the BrainTrainerPlus™. Hereby, the BrainTrainerPlus™ proved in this study its usefulness in the care of the elderly.

Graduation Paper Applied Psychology
Saxion Hogescholen, Deventer, Netherlands
College year 2013/2014