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. 2025 Nov 20:gnaf252.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaf252. Online ahead of print.

Participant Motivation Typologies as Correlates of Study Participation and Retention in Randomized Controlled Trials Targeting Cognitive Aging Through Computerized Cognitive Training

Abigail T Stephan  1   2 , Hye Won Chai  1   2 , Jody S Nicholson  1   2 , Ava McVey  1   2 , Christine B Phillips  1   2 , Lesley A Ross  1   2
Affiliations

Participant Motivation Typologies as Correlates of Study Participation and Retention in Randomized Controlled Trials Targeting Cognitive Aging Through Computerized Cognitive Training

Abigail T Stephan et al. Gerontologist. .

Abstract

Background and objectives: Participants' motivations may explain why they participate in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research. Drawing on the Activator, Motivator, Outside mediator, Re-enforcer (AMOR) model of research engagement, the current study utilized a mixed methods design to 1) explore participants' reasons for participating and, in some cases, withdrawing from computerized cognitive training studies and 2) connect these reasons to study retention.

Research design and methods: Our convenience sample included community-dwelling adults (N = 423) between 55-88 years (M = 67.45, SD = 7.22) from two randomized controlled trials involving computerized cognitive training (Everyday Function Intervention Trial, NCT04651582; Elucidating the Necessary Active Components of Training, NCT05366023). We analyzed participants' reasons for participating (shared via written responses) and, when relevant, stated reasons for withdrawing (ascertained via study personnel's notes in participant files) using inductive coding then theoretically-informed pattern coding. Associations between reasons for participation and study retention were examined using chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Results: Primary reasons for participating in research included activating and motivating factors; reasons for withdrawing included outside contextual factors and re-enforcers. Re-enforcers were particularly relevant for withdrawals during the cognitive training phase. Participation reasons were not associated with reasons for, nor likelihood of, withdrawal.

Discussion and implications: Findings support an adapted version of the AMOR model for explaining research engagement. Reasons for participating in and withdrawing from trials for computerized cognitive training are nuanced with participants considering multiple factors in their decisions. Refining and applying models outlining research engagement is critical for identifying and refining recruitment and retention efforts.

Keywords: Attrition; Clinical Trial; Recruitment; Research Participation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Illustration of the AMOR Model of Research Engagement (adapted)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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