Belitskaia D.V., Kuznetsova U.A. Specific Features of the Associative Series in Individuals with Conditional Norms and Different Socio-Demographic Characteristics

Key characteristics of the associative series, such as productivity, latency, number of repetitions and pauses, and analysis of semantic relationships, are important indicators of cognitive functioning and speech behavior. These parameters are not static and are subject to significant changes due to various factors, such as age, level of education, and gender.

The aim of the study was to study quantitative and qualitative associative indicators of a range of standard samples of middle, mature, pre-retirement, and old age, including persons of different gender and level of education.

The study involved 107 normal volunteers of working age, divided into four age groups (30–40, 40–50, 50–60, 60–68 years). The main method used was the free association method. In the free associative series, quantitative and qualitative indicators were evaluated (number of words per minute, latent time, number of repetitions, pauses, as well as types and length of semantic relations).

The data obtained show that at pre-retirement age (50–60 years) there is an increase in the length and number of functional chains. In old age (60–68 years), the latency and number of perseverations increase. Gender differences were identified in age groups 40–50 and 50–60 years. Higher education acts as a protective factor against cognitive decline.

The results show the age and sex characteristics of associative processes, which should be taken into account when diagnosing and designing programs to support cognitive functions in adults and the elderly. Higher education can serve as a protection against age-related cognitive changes.

Key words: associative series, cognitive functioning, free association, gender differences, age differences

For citation: Belitskaia, D.V., Kuznetsova, U.A. (2026). Specific features of the associative series in individuals with conditional norms and different socio-demographic characteristics. New Psychological Research, No. 2, 149–162. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_02_08

Acknowledgment

This study was funded by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation as part of the State Programme entitled ‘Non-invasive rehabilitation methods in a sensory-enriched environment for individuals with cognitive impairments caused by organic and functional brain pathology/aetiology (including stress-related and affective disorders)’. Registration number 125013001053-1.