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Positive affect and optimism play an important role in healthy ageing and are associated with improved physical and cognitive health outcomes. This study investigated whether it is possible to boost positive affect and associated positive biases in this age group using cognitive training. The effect of computerised imagery-based cognitive bias modification on positive affect, vividness of positive prospective imagery and interpretation biases in older adults was measured. 77 older adults received 4 weeks (12 sessions) of imagery cognitive bias modification or a control condition. They were assessed at baseline, post-training and at a one-month follow-up. Both groups reported decreased negative affect and trait anxiety, and increased optimism across the three assessments. Imagery cognitive bias modification significantly increased the vividness of positive prospective imagery post-training, compared with the control training. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no difference between the training groups in negative interpretation bias. This is a useful demonstration that it is possible to successfully engage older adults in computer-based cognitive training and to enhance the vividness of positive imagery about the future in this group. Future studies are needed to assess the longer-term consequences of such training and the impact on affect and wellbeing in more vulnerable groups.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.059

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychiatry Res

Publication Date

30/11/2015

Volume

230

Pages

36 - 43

Keywords

Ageing, Cognitive Bias Modification, Cognitive training, Emotion bias, Mental imagery, Optimism, Positive affect, Vividness, Affect, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Anxiety, Cognition, Emotions, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Forecasting, Humans, Imagery (Psychotherapy), Imagination, Male, Middle Aged, Optimism, Prospective Studies, Single-Blind Method