The Effectiveness of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation and Self-Encouragement Training on Improving Executive Functions and Social interactions in the Elderly

Subject Areas : Psychological Models and Methods

Najmeh Hamid ¹ , asra moradpour ²

1 -
2 - dept of psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

Received: 2025-02-08 Accepted : 2025-09-26 Published : 2025-09-22

Keywords: computer-based cognitive rehabilitation, self-encouragement training, executive functions, social interactions,

Abstract :

Background and purpose: Encouraging training based on accepting yourself and others, paying attention to your positive points and daring to be imperfect can help the elderly to feel valuable and expand their connections. Also, computer-based cognitive rehabilitation restores cognitive function by relying on practice and repetition. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation and self-encouragement training on improving executive functions and social interactions in the elderly. Methods: This research was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test and post-test design and control group. The statistical population is elderly people (people over 60 years old). In this study, 45 elderly people were selected using available sampling method, and 30 of them were selected as the final sample using the exclude and include criteria, and they were randomly divided into two control and experimental groups of 15 subjects.The elderly in the experimental group received self-encouragement training for 10 sessions of 90 minutes, as well as Rihakam cognitive rehabilitation interventions for 10 sessions of 45 minutes. Findings: The results of covariance analysis of the data have shown that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in each of the dependent variables (P<0.001). That is, the average performance of executive functions and mental vitality in the experimental group has increased significantly compared to the pre-test and the control group, and these results have continued significantly in the follow-up period (P <0.001).Conclusion: In general, cognitive rehabilitation intervention (Rihakam) and self-encouragement training have improved and increased executive functions and social interactions in the elderly. Therefore, it is suggested to use Rihakam's cognitive rehabilitation intervention and self-encouragement training as complementary or separate treatments to improve the quality of human life in old age.

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