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Suberry A, Bodner E. Intergenerational Synchrony and Its Effect on Bonding and Group Closeness among Young and Older Adults. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:607. [PMID: 39062430 PMCID: PMC11273925 DOI: 10.3390/bs14070607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine the effect of synchronous dance movements on social bonding and perceived closeness between generations, 168 young (20-45 years) and older (65-90 years) participants were randomly assigned to six dyad conditions. These included dancing synchronously or asynchronously with an in-age-group or out-age-group unfamiliar partner for 11 min. The participants then completed social bonding and group closeness questionnaires. To assess variation across individuals' and dyads' measurements, a generalized estimating equation modeling analysis was conducted. In line with the hypotheses, synchronized dancing increased social bonding, and young adults showed an enhanced perception of closeness between generations. The hypothesis that synchronous dancing with out-age-group members would foster greater perceived closeness compared to in-age-group members was not confirmed. Surprisingly, the results indicated that asynchronous movements with the in-age-group led to a higher degree of closeness between generations than asynchronous movements with the out-age-group. Avenues for future studies on the mechanisms by which intergenerational dance fosters intergenerational bonding and closeness are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Suberry
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Ehud Bodner
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
- Music Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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2
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Moffat R, Roos L, Casale C, Cross ES. Dyadic body competence predicts movement synchrony during the mirror game. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1401494. [PMID: 38962145 PMCID: PMC11220161 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1401494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of synchronizing our body movements with others is known to enhance rapport, affect, and prosociality. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that synchronizing activities may enhance cognitive performance. Unknown, by contrast, is the extent to which people's individual traits and experiences influence their ability to achieve and maintain movement synchrony with another person, which is key for unlocking the social and affective benefits of movement synchrony. Here, we take a dyad-centered approach to gain a deeper understanding of the role of embodiment in achieving and maintaining movement synchrony. Using existing data, we explored the relationship between body competence and body perception scores at the level of the dyad, and the dyad's movement synchrony and complexity while playing a 2.5-min movement mirroring game. The data revealed that dyadic body competence scores positively correlate with movement synchrony, but not complexity, and that dyadic body perception scores are not associated with movement synchrony or complexity. Movement synchrony was greater when the more experienced member of the dyad was responsible for copying movements. Finally, movement synchrony and complexity were stable across the duration of the mirror game. These findings show that movement synchrony is sensitive to the composition of the dyad involved, specifically the dyad's embodiment, illuminating the value of dyadic approaches to understanding body movements in social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryssa Moffat
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leonie Roos
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Courtney Casale
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily S. Cross
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Toohey B, Hutchinson M, Moloney G. More Than Just Movement: Exploring Embodied Group Synchrony During Seated Dance for Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care Communities. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:657-669. [PMID: 37991872 PMCID: PMC11055412 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231214946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One in six people in Australia are aged over 65, with many older adults currently living in residential aged care communities (RACC). Fostering meaningful human connection through social activities, such as dance, is imperative to maintain or improve the quality of life in these settings. Drawing from an embodied cognition framework, this mixed-methods study explored synchrony during a seated dance program with 15 older adults living in a RACC. Qualitative video content analysis was used to code movement, language and music cooccurrences, resulting in five group synchrony labels. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was then employed to distil ten higher-order forms of embodied group synchrony. Using existing neurocognitive evidence, we detail the therapeutic and interpersonal implications of the most prominent forms of embodied group synchrony. These findings can be used to choreograph therapeutic forms of embodied group synchrony in dance programs with older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Toohey
- Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Gail Moloney
- Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
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4
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Keisari S, Krueger KR, Ben-David BM, Hainselin M. New horizon in improving ageing with improvisational theatre. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae087. [PMID: 38706392 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline, mental health and mindset factors can all affect the autonomy and well-being of older adults. As the number of older adults across the globe increases, interventions to improve well-being are urgently needed. Improvisational theatre (improv) and improv-based interventions are well-suited to address this need. Studies have shown that participation in improv-based interventions has a positive impact on mental health indicators, including depressive symptoms, well-being and social connectedness, as well as cognitive skills such as attention and memory. In addition, improv-based interventions have been beneficial for people with dementia, improving positive affect, self-esteem and communication. In this article, we describe improvisational theatre, or improv, and the reasons it has emerged from a form of spontaneous theatre that involves playfulness and creativity to an important tool to effect behavioural change in individuals and groups. We then review the literature on the effects of improv in ageing populations, with a focus on social, emotional and cognitive functioning. Finally, we make recommendations on designing improv-based interventions so that future research, using rigorous quantitative methods, larger sample sizes and randomised controlled trials, can expand the use of improv in addressing important factors related to autonomy and well-being in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshi Keisari
- The Drama & Health Science Lab and the Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Centre, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Centre for Research and Study of Aging, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kristin R Krueger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Boaz M Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Mathieu Hainselin
- Department of Psychology, CRP-CPO, UR 7273, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Palgi Y, Regev T, Ben-David BM. Associations among loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing in older adults who received the booster vaccination. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e54. [PMID: 38404027 PMCID: PMC10897693 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rise in loneliness among older adults since the COVID-19 outbreak, even after vaccination, has been highlighted. Loneliness has deleterious consequences, with specific effects on perceptions of the ageing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping with stressful life events and the challenges of ageing may result in a perception of acceleration of this process. AIM Studies have shown a buffering effect of an internal locus of control in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. The current study examined whether loneliness predicts subjective accelerated ageing and whether internal locus of control moderates this relationship. METHOD Two waves of community-dwelling older adults (M = 70.44, s.d. = 5.95; age range 61-88 years), vaccinated three times, were sampled by a web-survey company. Participants completed the questionnaire after the beginning of the third vaccination campaign and reported again 4 months later on loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing level in the second wave. RESULTS Participants with higher levels of loneliness presented 4 months later with higher subjective accelerated ageing. Participants with a low level of internal locus of control presented 4 months later with high subjective accelerated ageing, regardless of their loneliness level. Participants with a high level of internal locus of control and a low level of loneliness presented with the lowest subjective accelerated ageing 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS The findings emphasise the deleterious effects of loneliness and low internal locus of control on older adults' perception of their ageing process. Practitioners should focus their interventions not only on loneliness but also on improving the sense of internal locus of control to improve subjective accelerated ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Tali Regev
- School of Economics, Reichman University (IDC), Israel
| | - Boaz M. Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Israel; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada; and KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Networks, Canada
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Moffat R, Cross ES. Evaluations of dyadic synchrony: observers' traits influence estimation and enjoyment of synchrony in mirror-game movements. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2904. [PMID: 38316911 PMCID: PMC10844651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
While evidence abounds that motor synchrony is a powerful form of 'social glue' for those involved, we have yet to understand how observers perceive motor synchrony: can observers estimate the degree of synchrony accurately? Is synchrony aesthetically pleasing? In two preregistered experiments (n = 161 each), we assess how accurately observers can estimate the degree of synchrony in dyads playing the mirror game, and how much observers enjoy watching these movements. We further assess whether accuracy and enjoyment are influenced by individual differences in self-reported embodied expertise (ability to reproduce movements, body awareness, body competence), psychosocial resources (extraversion, self-esteem), or social competencies (empathy, autistic traits), while objectively controlling for the degree of measured synchrony and complexity. The data revealed that observers' estimated synchrony with poor accuracy, showing a tendency to underestimate the level of synchrony. Accuracy for low synchrony improved with increasing body competence, while accuracy for high synchrony improved with increasing autistic traits. Observers' enjoyment of dyadic movements correlated positively with the degree of measured synchrony, the predictability of the movements, and the observer's empathy. Furthermore, very low enjoyment was associated with increased body perception. Our findings indicate that accuracy in perceiving synchrony is closely linked to embodiment, while aesthetic evaluations of action hinge on individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryssa Moffat
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Emily S Cross
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Moffat R, Caruana N, Cross ES. Inhibiting responses under the watch of a recently synchronized peer increases self-monitoring: evidence from functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Open Biol 2024; 14:230382. [PMID: 38378138 PMCID: PMC10878812 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing motor synchrony with a peer (through interventions such as the mirror game) can yield collaborative, cognitive and social benefits. However, it is also well established that observation by an audience can improve cognition. The combined and relative advantages offered by motor synchronization and audience effects are not yet understood. It is important to address this gap to determine the extent to which synchronizing activities might interact with the positive effects of an audience. In this preregistered study, we investigate the extent to which response inhibition may be improved when observed by a peer after motor synchronization with this peer. We compare behavioural and cortical (functional near-infrared spectroscopy; fNIRS) measures of inhibition between synchronized and non-synchronized dyads and find that the presence of a synchronized peer-audience introduces a speed-accuracy trade-off, consisting of slower reaction times and improved accuracy. This co-occurs with cortical activation in bilateral inferior frontal and middle prefrontal cortices, which are implicated in monitoring and maintenance of social alignment. Our findings have implications for carers and support people, who may benefit from synchronizing activities for rehabilitating inhibition and social skills in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Moffat
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - N. Caruana
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - E. S. Cross
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Westmead Innovation Quarter Building U, Westmead New South Wales 2145, Australia
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QB, UK
- Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
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Pitluk Barash M, Elboim-Gabyzon M, Shuper Engelhard E. Investigating the emotional content of older adults engaging in a fall prevention exercise program integrated with dance movement therapy: a preliminary study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1260299. [PMID: 37790228 PMCID: PMC10543662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fall prevention interventions for older adults have primarily focused on the physical aspects, overlooking the emotional aspects inherent in falls. This qualitative study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) based on the Otago Exercise Program with Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to address the emotional experience during PTE. The aim of this study is to explore the emotional content expressed by older adults during balance-focused exercises and the unique emotional content expressions following the PTE + DMT intervention compared to the PTE intervention. Eleven older adults (aged 81-91 years) from a day center were randomly assigned to either the PTE + DMT group (n = 6) or the PTE group (n = 5). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the instructors' observations and process diary identified three themes that emerged during the sessions: (1) self-image and self-worth, (2) the individual in relation to others, and (3) past memories. These themes highlight both similarities and differences between the groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the emotional experiences encountered by older adults, particularly in the context of falls prevention practices. Recognizing, understanding, and facilitating the expression of these experiences can enhance the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions and contribute to the overall health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pitluk Barash
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Shuper Engelhard
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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9
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Yozevitch R, Dahan A, Seada T, Appel D, Gvirts H. Classifying interpersonal synchronization states using a data-driven approach: implications for social interaction understanding. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11150. [PMID: 37429957 PMCID: PMC10333224 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents a data-driven approach to identifying interpersonal motor synchrony states by analyzing hand movements captured from a 3D depth camera. Utilizing a single frame from the experiment, an XGBoost machine learning model was employed to differentiate between spontaneous and intentional synchrony modes with nearly [Formula: see text] accuracy. Our findings demonstrate a consistent pattern across subjects, revealing that movement velocity tends to be slower in synchrony modes. These insights support the notion that the relationship between velocity and synchrony is influenced by the cognitive load required for the task, with slower movements leading to higher synchrony in tasks demanding higher cognitive load. This work not only contributes to the limited literature on algorithms for identifying interpersonal synchrony but also has potential implications for developing new metrics to assess real-time human social interactions, understanding social interaction, and diagnosing and developing treatment strategies for social deficits associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roi Yozevitch
- Department of Computer Science, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel.
| | - Anat Dahan
- Department of Software Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel, 216100, Israel
| | - Talia Seada
- Department of Computer Science, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
| | - Daniel Appel
- Department of Computer Science, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
| | - Hila Gvirts
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
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Shakuf V, Ben-David B, Wegner TGG, Wesseling PBC, Mentzel M, Defren S, Allen SEM, Lachmann T. Processing emotional prosody in a foreign language: the case of German and Hebrew. JOURNAL OF CULTURAL COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2022; 6:251-268. [PMID: 35996660 PMCID: PMC9386669 DOI: 10.1007/s41809-022-00107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the universality of emotional prosody in perception of discrete emotions when semantics is not available. In two experiments the perception of emotional prosody in Hebrew and German by listeners who speak one of the languages but not the other was investigated. Having a parallel tool in both languages allowed to conduct controlled comparisons. In Experiment 1, 39 native German speakers with no knowledge of Hebrew and 80 native Israeli speakers rated Hebrew sentences spoken with four different emotional prosodies (anger, fear, happiness, sadness) or neutral. The Hebrew version of the Test for Rating of Emotions in Speech (T-RES) was used for this purpose. Ratings indicated participants’ agreement on how much the sentence conveyed each of four discrete emotions (anger, fear, happiness and sadness). In Experient 2, 30 native speakers of German, and 24 Israeli native speakers of Hebrew who had no knowledge of German rated sentences of the German version of the T-RES. Based only on the prosody, German-speaking participants were able to accurately identify the emotions in the Hebrew sentences and Hebrew-speaking participants were able to identify the emotions in the German sentences. In both experiments ratings between the groups were similar. These findings show that individuals are able to identify emotions in a foreign language even if they do not have access to semantics. This ability goes beyond identification of target emotion; similarities between languages exist even for “wrong” perception. This adds to accumulating evidence in the literature on the universality of emotional prosody.
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Nitsan G, Baharav S, Tal-Shir D, Shakuf V, Ben-David BM. Speech Processing as a Far-Transfer Gauge of Serious Games for Cognitive Training in Aging: Randomized Controlled Trial of Web-Based Effectivate Training. JMIR Serious Games 2022; 10:e32297. [PMID: 35900825 PMCID: PMC9400949 DOI: 10.2196/32297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of serious games for cognitive training in aging (SGCTAs) is proliferating in the market and attempting to combat one of the most feared aspects of aging-cognitive decline. However, the efficacy of many SGCTAs is still questionable. Even the measures used to validate SGCTAs are up for debate, with most studies using cognitive measures that gauge improvement in trained tasks, also known as near transfer. This study takes a different approach, testing the efficacy of the SGCTA-Effectivate-in generating tangible far-transfer improvements in a nontrained task-the Eye tracking of Word Identification in Noise Under Memory Increased Load (E-WINDMIL)-which tests speech processing in adverse conditions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the use of a real-time measure of speech processing as a gauge of the far-transfer efficacy of an SGCTA designed to train executive functions. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial that included 40 participants, we tested 20 (50%) older adults before and after self-administering the SGCTA Effectivate training and compared their performance with that of the control group of 20 (50%) older adults. The E-WINDMIL eye-tracking task was administered to all participants by blinded experimenters in 2 sessions separated by 2 to 8 weeks. RESULTS Specifically, we tested the change between sessions in the efficiency of segregating the spoken target word from its sound-sharing alternative, as the word unfolds in time. We found that training with the SGCTA Effectivate improved both early and late speech processing in adverse conditions, with higher discrimination scores in the training group than in the control group (early processing: F1,38=7.371; P=.01; ηp2=0.162 and late processing: F1,38=9.003; P=.005; ηp2=0.192). CONCLUSIONS This study found the E-WINDMIL measure of speech processing to be a valid gauge for the far-transfer effects of executive function training. As the SGCTA Effectivate does not train any auditory task or language processing, our results provide preliminary support for the ability of Effectivate to create a generalized cognitive improvement. Given the crucial role of speech processing in healthy and successful aging, we encourage researchers and developers to use speech processing measures, the E-WINDMIL in particular, to gauge the efficacy of SGCTAs. We advocate for increased industry-wide adoption of far-transfer metrics to gauge SGCTAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Nitsan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Shai Baharav
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Dalith Tal-Shir
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Vered Shakuf
- Department of Communications Disorders, Achva Academic College, Arugot, Israel
| | - Boaz M Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Herzliya, Israel.,Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Networks, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Doing and feeling together in older age: self-worth and belonging through social creative activities. AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The potential for art activities to help in alleviating loneliness is explored through a focus on older women's regular attendance at creative social activities. We apply the concept of perceived emotional synchrony to understand how weekly craft group sessions enable feelings of belonging and self-worth to develop in older women. Using a multi-site six-month study of 62 women aged 70+ attending social creative activities, our multi-stage research design captures the experiences of these women through observation and narrative group discussions held weekly. Our findings show that feelings of belonging and self-worth developed over a relatively short time. In particular, social integration and identity fusion were found to occur as a result of the emotional synchrony engendered via a regular shared activity, out of the home, and requiring some challenge and creativity. We propose a virtuous cycle model to explain the value in such activities and discuss the wider implications for wellbeing in older age. Perceived emotional synchrony has not been used before to explore the mechanisms through which social creative activities form lasting benefits for older women. Our research highlights the importance of feeling at one with others in improving feelings of belonging and self-worth and indicates how a variety of social creative experiences could be designed to enable this.
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13
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Keisari S, Gesser-Edelsburg A, Yaniv D, Palgi Y. Playback theatre in adult day centers: A creative group intervention for community-dwelling older adults. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239812. [PMID: 33002024 PMCID: PMC7529427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature indicates that theatre and drama-based interventions have the potential to improve older adults' well-being and health. The goal of the current study was to characterize the process of a creative group intervention in adult day centers (ADCs), which integrates playback theatre and life-review principles. Our objective was to provide an evidence-informed framework for drama therapy interventions, which would allow older adults to bring up and explore their life-stories in a dramatic creative process in their own community. A total of 27 participants ranging in age from 63 to 91, took part in one of three playback theatre groups. The playback theatre group intervention comprised 12 weekly sessions. All sessions were videotaped to capture the lived experience of the creative process and were analyzed in post-intervention interviews. In addition, focus group meetings were conducted with 13 ADC staff members to decipher further the effects of the participation as perceived by people outside the groups. Three types of potential transformation were identified in the qualitative analysis: the evolution of life stories, evolution of playfulness, and expansion of social engagement. The results indicate the potential of the integrative framework to serve as a creative intervention in ADC communities, as well as its potential to bring about a personal transformation and expand it to enable a person's social engagement in the community. The findings imply the potential benefits of using playback theatre groups to supplement the routine care provided in ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshi Keisari
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- School of Public Health and The Health and Risk Communication Research Centre, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dani Yaniv
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, The Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Centre, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Centre for Research and Study of Aging, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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