The Relationship between Optimism and Mindfulness with Cognitive Performance in Elderly Adults

Ghannadi, Sanaz; Tarkhan, Morteza

doi:10.22034/jmp.2025.505199.1130

The Relationship between Optimism and Mindfulness with Cognitive Performance in Elderly Adults

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Sanaz Ghannadi ¹

Morteza Tarkhan ²

¹ Master's in Positive Psychology, Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Ramsar Branch, Ramsar, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Ramsar Branch, Ramsar, Iran

10.22034/jmp.2025.505199.1130

Abstract

Objective: Aging and the onset of old age are accompanied by inevitable changes in cognitive function. Therefore, considering the aging population and the importance of cognitive functions during this sensitive period, identifying factors affecting cognitive function to enhance their cognitive abilities deserves attention. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between optimism and mindfulness with cognitive function in the elderly.
Methods: The present research employed a descriptive and correlational design. The statistical population of the study included all elderly adults residing in nursing homes in Guilan Province during the year 2020-2021. The study sample consisted of 160 elderly adults who were selected from nursing homes residents using purposive sampling. The research instruments included the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) for optimism, the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) for mindfulness, and the Cognitive Performance Evaluation Questionnaire (CPEQ) for cognitive function. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis (simultaneous method) at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The results showed a significant positive relationship between optimism and mindfulness with cognitive function, meaning that the more optimistic and mindful elderly adults were, the better their cognitive function. Furthermore, 34% of the variance in cognitive function was explained by optimism and mindfulness.
Conclusion: Therefore, based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that optimism and mindfulness are important variables in predicting cognitive function (p < 0.05).

Keywords

Cognitive Function

The Elderly, Mindfulness

Optimism

Subjects

Personality Psychology

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