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If you think your preparation will help you later, you might be right, a new study suggests

If you think your preparation will help you later, you might be right, a new study suggests

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
If you think your preparation will help you later, you might be right, a new study suggests
If you think your preparation will help you later, you might be right, a new study suggests

Spark a cognitive upgrade with the power of positive vibes!

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals an exciting impact: Positive thoughts can significantly boost the effectiveness of cognitive training. Led by researcher Jocelyn Parong, the study divided participants into groups, some of whom received cognitive training while others only expected to. The results? Participants who anticipated improvements in their cognitive abilities achieved superior results on working memory tests, regardless of their actual training status.

Why does this matter?

What you believe can greatly influence your outcome. Case in point: A study on computerized cognitive training for elderly adults highlighted that beliefs about the need for rehabilitation, treatment expectations, and self-efficacy played a significant role in the decision to stick with the program.

Additionally, a systematic review of cognitive training for individuals with HIV revealed that those with positive perceptions of the training's benefits experienced overall cognitive improvement.

And let's not forget the Pygmalion effect, applicable to cognitive training settings: The way healthcare providers or peers view your abilities can significantly impact your performance.

However, some research warns of an overestimation in the benefits of cognitive training, with some studies attributing improvements to the placebo effect.

Ready for takeoff?

For optimal cognitive training, remain confident and stay motivated! Harboring a positive attitude can tip the scales in your favor and potentially make all the difference in achieving stellar results.

References

  1. Westerberg et al. (2014). Cognitive rehabilitation for HIV associated neurocognitive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLOS ONE.
  2. Ma et al. (2016). Expectancy Effect, in Encyclopedia of Human Brain and Behavior, Elsevier.
  3. Avanturo et al. (2015). Computer-based cognitive training: A systematic review, European Journal of Neurorehabilitation, 22(2), 95-108.
  4. Jones et al. (2013). Computerized cognitive training: A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLoS One.

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