Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks?

Schindler M, Maihöfner C, Bolwerk A, Lang F (2016)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles / Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1114587

Abstract

Objectives: Effects of two mentally stimulating art interventions on processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition were compared in three samples.

Method: In a randomized 10-week art intervention study with a pre-post follow-up-design, 113 adults (27 healthy older adults with subjective memory complaints, 50 healthy older adults and 36 healthy younger adults) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: visual art production or cognitive art evaluation, where the participants either produced or evaluated art. ANOVAs with repeated measures were computed to observe effects on the Symbol-Digit-Test, and the Stick Test.

Results: Significant Time effects were found with regard to processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition. Additionally, there was found a significant Time x Sample interaction for processing speed. The effects proved robust after testing for education and adding sex as additional factor.

Conclusion: Mental stimulation by participation in art classes lead to an improvement of processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition. Further investigation is required to improve understanding of the potential impact of art intervention on psychological functioning across adulthood.

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How to cite

APA:

Schindler, M., Maihöfner, C., Bolwerk, A., & Lang, F. (2016). Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks? Aging & Mental Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2015.1114587

MLA:

Schindler, Manuel, et al. "Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks?" Aging & Mental Health (2016).

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