Supplemental group discussions in memory training for older adults

Memory training was compared in adults aged 60-80. Groups 1 and 2 studied a self-instructional memory training manual; Group 2 also attended supplementary group discussions of typical problems of later life, related coping methods, and the techniques in the self-instructional manuals. Group 3 was a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPsychology and aging Vol. 5; no. 2; p. 178
Main Authors Flynn, T M, Storandt, M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.1990
Subjects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - psychology
Efficiency
Female
Group Processes
Humans
Male
Memory
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Programmed Instruction as Topic
Teaching
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Summary:Memory training was compared in adults aged 60-80. Groups 1 and 2 studied a self-instructional memory training manual; Group 2 also attended supplementary group discussions of typical problems of later life, related coping methods, and the techniques in the self-instructional manuals. Group 3 was a wait-list control group. Memory performance on 2 word lists significantly improved in the supplemental discussion group but not in the group that only studied the self-instructional manual. Enhanced performances were maintained at a 1-month follow-up. Bibliotherapy alone may be inferior to treatment involving a group component, although the mechanisms of such enhancement remain unexplored with respect to memory training. Neither treated group improved their digit span or recall of names and a brief prose passage; teaching older adults the strategies of chunking and use of imagery may not be beneficial.
ISSN:0882-7974
DOI:10.1037/0882-7974.5.2.178