Enhancing Cognitive Engagement Through Museum-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Elders and Caregivers
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
21989834
eISSN
2198963X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105025707347
Journal Title
Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health (2025)
Suggested Citation
Khemthong S., Boonyakiet C., Chatthong W. Enhancing Cognitive Engagement Through Museum-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Elders and Caregivers. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health (2025). doi:10.1007/s40737-025-00518-3 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113745
Title
Enhancing Cognitive Engagement Through Museum-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Elders and Caregivers
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Supporting cognitive engagement and addressing mild cognitive impairment have become growing priorities in geriatric mental health, yet psychosocial rehabilitation has rarely incorporated cultural institutions as community-based resources. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined how museum-based psychosocial rehabilitation supports cognitive health, emotional well-being, and intergenerational connection among older adults and their caregivers in Thailand. Sixteen elder–caregiver dyads (n = 32) participated in a structured visit to six curated museum galleries in Bangkok. Participants photographed meaningful exhibits and engaged in narrative interviews guided by photo-elicitation, while observational field notes documented affective and social interactions. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (education-adjusted), and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Thematic analysis identified four recurring patterns of engagement: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. Elders with lower cognitive scores emphasized collective cultural identity, whereas non-impaired participants more frequently highlighted autobiographical memory and relational narratives. Observations revealed embodied expressions of emotion, such as touch, tears, and laughter—alongside themes of caregiver burden and self-reliance. Quantitative findings showed minimal depressive symptoms across both groups, with caregivers generally demonstrating stronger cognitive performance than elders. These results suggest that museum-based cultural engagement functions as a low-cost psychosocial rehabilitation strategy that fosters memory recall, emotional regulation, and identity continuity. By situating cultural participation within preventive and community frameworks, museums can serve as accessible community resources for promoting healthy and creative aging.