Remembering better times improves cognitive functioning in disadvantaged people, according to a new study. Specifically, it improves the IQ. The findings also suggest that improving self-esteem in disadvantaged people helps them make good decisions and encourages them to turn to social services for help.
"This study shows that self-affirmation (the psychological reinforcement of a person's strengths) improves the cognitive function and behavior of people living in poverty"says study co-author and University of British Columbia professor Jiaying Zhao. The study will be published this month in the Psychological Science journal.
The main experiments were carried out in a New Jersey soup kitchen for two years. About 150 participants participated in the study.
Compared to a control group, participants, randomized, who did self-assertion exercises, such as recounting a past moment of pride or success, increased their IQ by 10 points. They were also more likely to seek information about help services from the local government.
Previous studies have shown that self-assertion improves test scores in another marginalized group: African American students. This is the first study that uses oral self-affirmation techniques in people living in poverty.
The study has important policy implications, including the potential to improve charitable programs: health care, food stamps, and tax refunds.
Researchers believe that self-assertion alleviates the stigma of poverty.
This study builds on previous research that found that poverty consumes so much mental energy that it undermines the intellectual capacity of those affected as they do not have time to focus on other areas of life. There is less "mental bandwidth" left for training, time management, educational assistance programs and other measures that could help break the cycles of poverty. Source