This study aims to develop a PASS (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous processing, Successive processing) based group art therapy program to enhance cognitive functions in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Based on a review of related ...
This study aims to develop a PASS (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous processing, Successive processing) based group art therapy program to enhance cognitive functions in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Based on a review of related literature and previous studies, a cognitive assessment (CSOA) for the elderly, daily living activities, and art-related activities were conducted with 70 seniors. Twenty of these participants were identified with mild cognitive impairment, reported not engaging in physical activities, and expressed difficulties with memory. They showed willingness to participate in art therapy activities. Based on these research variables, a model for a PASS-based group art therapy program was developed and its effectiveness was evaluated for enhancing cognitive functions in seniors with mild cognitive impairment. The program, designed to improve various cognitive functions as indicated in the CSOA -overall intelligence, basic intelligence, executive intelligence, attention, working function, language ability, spatial-temporal skills, and memory - was refined through literature review, survey analysis, preliminary study results, and validity checks by three art therapy experts. The program comprises 12 sessions,conducted weekly for 90 minutes each. The program, grounded in the four cognitive components of the PASS model, was designed to improve various cognitive functions as identified in the CSOA test, including general intelligence, basic intelligence, executive intelligence, attention, working abilities, language skills, spatial-temporal skills, and memory. The program was refined and supplemented through a review of prior studies, survey analysis, preliminary research results, and validity checks by three art therapy experts, resulting in a structure that runs for 12 sessions, once a week, each lasting 90 minutes. To validate the effectiveness of the developed program, a pilot application was conducted with 20 elderly individuals over 65 years of age in J district, S city, at S church. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group of 10 or a control group of 10, and cognitive function scores were compared before and after the program. The CSOA test (Kim Hong-keun, Kim Tae-yoo, 2007) was used as a measurement tool, and independent sample t-tests were conducted to verify group homogeneity. The program's effectiveness was examined using repeated measures ANOVA and main effect analysis with the pre-and post-test scores of the experimental and control groups. The results showed positive effects in enhancing general intelligence, basic intelligence, executive intelligence, attention, spatial-temporal skills, and memory functions. Additionally, to observe the reactions of the elderly participants throughout the program, an analysis of satisfaction survey data and shorthand records was conducted for each session, focusing on themes, media, and progression. The results indicated that as the program progressed, participants showed increased intimacy through the use of art media, communication with other group members, and emotional empathy with others. This research presents a concrete development model that empirically validates the effectiveness of combining the neuroscientific aspects of the PASS theory with the traditional group art therapy program, which provides various stimuli and social relationships. The group art therapy program is deemed to have a significant impact on structuring suitable programs for elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The practical effectiveness of the program, as verified by participants, underscores its significance in developing cognitive function enhancement programs for this demographic.