Date of Conferral

7-29-2024

Date of Award

July 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Maxwell Rainforth

Abstract

Although previous research has indicated that acculturative stress and lack of physical activity may contribute to age-related cognitive decline in older immigrants, previous research has not investigated the combined influence of acculturative stress and physical activity on cognitive function in a population of older immigrants. This quantitative correlational study aimed to investigate this relationship among older South-Asian immigrants using acculturation theory to guide the research. Acculturative stress was measured using the Social, Attitudinal, Familial, Environment Acculturative Stress Scale. Physical activity was measured using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors. Cognitive functioning was measured using the Trail-Making test, Stroop Test, and Digit Span test. Multiple regression was used to analyze data from 117 healthy South-Asian males and females aged 50 years and over, who met study eligibility criteria. The findings showed a significant relationship between acculturative stress and the scores on the Trail-Making Test and the Digit Span test. Moderate physical activity was statistically significant as a predictor of scores on only the Stroop test. Physical activity did not moderate the relationship between acculturative stress and cognitive function. Further research is needed to investigate which aspects of cognitive function in older immigrants are related to stress and physical activity levels, using more precise, culturally appropriate measures of patterns of physical activity over longer periods of time. The study findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to consider cultural barriers related to acculturative stress and physical activity in South-Asian immigrants, promoting positive social change and better cognitive health outcomes.

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