Cognitive Ability in the Elderly: The Role of Self-Transcendence, Self-Compassion and Positive Affect

Aging is associated with unavoidable changes in cognitive abilities. Therefore, considering the aging of the population and the importance of cognitive functions at this sensitive age, identifying the factors affecting cognitive ability among elderly to strengthen their cognitive functions deserves attention. The present study aimed to investigate the role of self-transcendence, self-compassion and positive affect in predicting cognitive ability in elderly. It was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population of this study included all elderly (60 to 70 year) in Kerman from 2019 to 2020. 208 elderly participants were selected using convenience sampling from Kerman Province Retirement Association. The research instruments were Nejati Cognitive Ability Questionnaire, Neff Compassion Scale, and Levinson Self-Transcendence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. The results of Pearson correlation coefficient showed the significant positive relationship between self-transcendence and cognitive ability in the elderly. Besides, a significant positive relationship was reported between self-compassion and cognitive ability in the elderly. Furthermore, these results also suggested a significant positive relationship between positive affect and cognitive ability in elderly. The results of regression analysis also showed that self-transcendence and positive affect can positively predict cognitive ability in elderly. However, self-compassion was not a predictor of cognitive ability in elderly. Therefore, using therapeutic techniques based on self-transcendence theory and providing therapeutic interventions based on increasing positive affect, it is possible to promote cognitive ability and prevent cognitive failures in elderly.  References   Alea, N., Ali, S., & Arneaud, M. J. (2017). 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