ISSN 2079-6617
eISSN 2309-9828
Effectiveness of Cognitive Functions Training for Cadets of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia Using Professionally Specific and Non-Specific Programmes

Effectiveness of Cognitive Functions Training for Cadets of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia Using Professionally Specific and Non-Specific Programmes

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Recieved: 05/14/2025

Accepted: 11/05/2025

Published: 12/20/2025

Keywords: cognitive psychology; extreme psychology; memory and attention training; memory development; attention development

Pages: 117-132

DOI: 10.11621/npj.2026.0110

Available online: 19.12.2025

To cite this article:

Marchenko, E.V., Issar, A.D. (2026). Effectiveness of Cognitive Functions Training for Cadets of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia Using Professionally Specific and Non-Specific Programmes. National Psychological Journal, 21(1) , 117-132. https://doi.org/10.11621/npj.2026.0110

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Issue 1, 2026

Marchenko, E.V. Center of Emergency Psychological Aid, Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Issar, A.D. Center of Emergency Psychological Aid, Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia

Abstract

Background. Despite the development of technologies, the question of effective tools for training memory and attention remains open. Research is being conducted on training various cognitive processes but it is insufficient. For cadets of the Emergency Situations University, extreme profile–cognitive functions are professionally important qualities. The ability to support and train them to develop this most relevant skill is a necessary part of the process of professional training at the university.

Objectives. The goal is to study the possibilities to increase the indicators of some attention and memory properties through professionally specific and non-specific training programmes on a sample of cadets.

Study Participants. The study involved 100 3rd-year cadets of the EMERCOM of Russia. The respondents were aged 19 to 23 years (M = 20.03; ơ = 0.83).

Methods. To assess the effectiveness of the programmes and changes in the indicators of the properties of some cognitive functions, a formative experiment was used along with the following methods: “Number Square”, “Munsterberg Test”, “Memory for Numbers”, “Technique for Studying Spatial Visual Memory” (Diagnostics of Cognitive Abilities, 2020).

Results. All the studied memory and attention indices increased in those cadets who trained using a specific programme based on firefighting topics. When using a non-specific programme, the distribution and selectivity of attention, its volume and the volume of short-term memory improved. Comparison of the results in the two groups did not show any significant differences. Therefore, we cannot claim that a professionally specific programme is a more effective training tool than a non-specific one.

Conclusions. Cognitive training using professionally specific and non-specific programmes led to improvements in most memory and attention indices. At the same time, the professionally specific programme did not provide more significant improvements as compared to the second one. We can assume that using the programme as a training tool is effective, but requires further study in terms of reflecting the specificity or non-specificity of the content. The results of the study were used in training sessions on psychological preparation for cadets, specialists of EMERCOM of Russia and other categories of students. Examples of the developed programmes can be the basis for preparing similar variable programs for training memory and attention.

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To cite this article:

Marchenko, E.V., Issar, A.D.. Effectiveness of Cognitive Functions Training for Cadets of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia Using Professionally Specific and Non-Specific Programmes. // National Psychological Journal 2026. 1. Pages117-132. doi: 10.11621/npj.2026.0110

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