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Age-related declines in thought processes influence our ability to function independently.

Consistent and inevitable changes occur in many basic cognitive processes as we age, including memory, information processing, attention to multiple stimuli, manoeuvring effectively in space, and even some aspects of language such as naming and language fluency. Marked decline in cognition occurs as dementia sets in as well. It makes sense that these changes affect our ability to function independently. However, the literature on this topic is controversial. While many studies find some relationship between age-related cognitive changes and subsequent ability to function independently, the size and even direction of those relationships is contentious, and surprisingly not strong. Research suggests that measurement issues influence this inconsistency and the weak relationships.

Multiple studies indicate that the most valid measurement of the relationship between cognition and functional independence is obtained when a performance-based evaluation of functional independence is made. When performance-based evaluations occur the relationship between age-related cognitive changes and functional independence is found to be strong. These findings should influence policy, diagnostics and evaluation of decision-making authorities when it comes to older adult assessment.

Strength-based parenting is good for kids and parents: a win-win!

Strength-based parenting (SBP) has been defined as an approach to parenting that seeks to deliberately identify and cultivate positive states, positive processes and positive qualities in one’s children. The effects of SBP on children, teenagers and parents have been examined in sample sizes ranging from 100 to over 11,300 using a range of different methods including survey research, vignette studies, dyadic studies, intervention studies, longitudinal studies and panel designs.

Two overarching findings have been identified: 1) SBP is a protective factor and is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress and negative emotions in children and teenagers; and 2) SBP is an enhancing factor and is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, self-confidence, subjective wellbeing and positive emotions in children and teenagers.

The research program has identified key factors that explain or mediate the relationship between SBP and youth mental health including engagement, self-efficacy and persistence. Research into the effects of SBP on parents’ mental health shows that SBP boosts parents’ self-efficacy and experience of positive emotions. Two SBP interventions with families found improvements in family happiness and family hardiness.

Athletes judged to be mentally tough perform better.

Interest on the topic ‘mental toughness in sport’ has increased exponentially since the early 2000s. Initially a term defined by anecdotal opinions of sport practitioners, today, there is general agreement that mental toughness is a construct reflective of a personal capacity to produce consistently high levels of performance despite everyday challenges and adversities. Different models of mental toughness exist, but tend to focus on the following key attributes: self-belief, emotional regulation, attention regulation, success mindset, context intelligence, optimistic thinking, and handling challenge. Research supports the view that athletes rated high in mental toughness generally participate at higher levels of competition, achieve more, and produce better performances. Key psychological mechanisms enabling mentally tough athletes to perform well under pressure include self-regulatory skills (e.g., mindfulness, self-forgiveness) and early threat detection. Traditional psychological skills training (e.g., visualisation, emotion control) and long-term culturally-informed approaches (e.g., stress-inoculation training, immersive contexts) have proven effective in developing mental toughness. There is, however, a potential dark side. Mental toughness is also associated with undesirable traits (e.g., psychoticism) and outcomes (e.g., burnout, injury).

When people realise that others share their values they feel hope for the future.

A widespread ‘tale of terror’ in Western societies is that people do not care about the common good. Instead, they focus on getting ahead in a world obsessed with money, materialism, individual success and status. Research done with 1085 New Zealand adults challenges this tale. Participants were asked to name three things they consider of ‘infinite’ value. Infinite values were defined as that which is scared, precious or special and of value for its own sake. Overwhelmingly, people’s infinite values concerned connection to people and other life forms, positive emotions, self-expression and learning, the natural world, and spirituality.

In a follow-up study, the researchers showed 121 adults a word cloud that displayed the values offered in the first part of the research, and asked them to write down the thoughts and feelings they had on seeing it. The most common responses were a sense of belonging to a human community, reassurance, and feeling uplifted and hopeful. This suggests that when people realise that others care deeply about human and ecological wellbeing, they experience a ‘tale of joy’ that gives them hope for the future and makes action for the common good seem worthwhile.