bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B - 65 Adolescent Cortico-Limbic Connectivity Mediates Associations between Internalizing Symptomology and Subsequent Neurocognitive Performance
Authors: Shankula Chase A , Navarro Gabriella Y , Stinson Elizabeth A , Lisdah Krista M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
During development, internalizing symptoms negatively impact broad neurocognitive functioning. Hypoconnectivity between the Cingulo-Opercular network (CON) and limbic regions has been implicated in various psychiatric disorders. Here we attempt to investigate whether CON-limbic connectivity longitudinally mediates associations between internalizing behaviors and cognitive outcomes during adolescence.

Method
Internalizing symptoms were measured in 2668 youth (47% female) enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study using the Child Behavior Checklist. Zero-order correlations were tested between baseline (ages 9–11) internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints) and performance on NIH Toolbox® neurocognitive measures at 4-year follow-up (ages 13–15). Significantly predicted tasks were included in a structural equation model (SEM), which tested whether a latent factor representing 2-year follow-up resting-state fMRI connectivity between the CON and limbic regions (i.e., bilateral hippocampus and amygdala) mediated associations between baseline internalizing symptoms and 4-year cognitive outcomes.

Results
Four neurocognitive tasks (Flanker, Picture Sequence, List Sorting, Pattern Comparison) regressed significantly onto at least one internalizing symptom. An SEM which tested the mediatory effects of CON-limbic connectivity on these associations fit the data well (CFI = 0.997; SRMR = 0.007; RMSEA =0.015 [0,0.027]). Increased anxiety and somatic symptoms significantly predicted reduced CON-limbic connectivity, while depression did not. Associations between anxiety and somatic symptoms and List Sorting performance were suppressed, indicating full mediation by CON-limbic connectivity on working memory. Connectivity also partially mediated a negative association between anxiety and Flanker performance.

Conclusions
Our findings point to CON-limbic hypoconnectivity as a potential mechanism underlying associations between late childhood internalizing symptoms and poorer executive functioning (most notably working memory) during early adolescence.
B - 66 Cognitive Dispersion Is Uniquely Associated with Executive Functions in HIV Disease
Authors: Penheiro Romeo , Webber Troy A , Woods Steven P 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Among persons living with HIV (PLWH), higher levels of intraindividual variability (IIV) across a battery of neuropsychological measures (i.e., dispersion) increase the risk of dependence in everyday functioning. Higher levels of dispersion are theorized to reflect lapses in executive aspects of attention, but few studies have directly evaluated the construct validity of dispersion.

Method
72 PLWH completed the Cogstate battery (www.cogstate.com). Exclusion criteria were inability to provide informed consent, psychosis, active substance use disorders, and major neurological conditions. Dispersion was operationalized as a coefficient of variance (CoV) across age-adjusted scores on six tests from the Cogstate battery (i.e., intra-individual standard deviation divided by the intra-individual mean). The predictor variables were mean-level, demographically-adjusted performance scores from well-validated clinical measures of executive functions (Trailmaking Test B, WCST-64 Perseverative Responses, PASAT-50, and Verbal Fluency), psychomotor speed (WAIS-III Digit Symbol, Trailmaking Test A, Grooved Pegboard), and episodic memory (HVLT-R and BVMT-R Learning and Delayed Recall).

Results
A multiple regression analysis indicated that the three domain-level cognitive predictors explained 12.1% of the variance in Cogstate CoV (p = 0.03). Within this model, lower levels of executive functions were significantly associated with higher CoV on the Cogstate (p = 0.01), but the psychomotor and memory domains were not (ps &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion
The findings from this cross-sectional study align with cognitive theory in demonstrating dispersion is uniquely associated with external measures of executive functions (e.g., cognitive flexibility) among PLWH. Future experimental studies are needed to determine the precise executive mechanism of dispersion.
B - 67 Executive Functions as a Mediator between ADHD Symptoms and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adults
Authors: Colón-Bosques Nicole M , McLin Maia , Armstrong Kevin J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression in emerging adults (Prevatt et al., 2012; Mochrie et al., 2020). However, there is limited research examining this association. This study explored the potential mediating role of executive functions in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Method
A sample of 842 college students (mean age of 18.96 years) completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1; Kessler et al., 2005), the Executive Function Index (EFI; Spinella, 2005), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The sample was selected from a Psychology Research Program (PRP) pool of a southern university and consisted of 630 women (74.8%), 197 men (23.4%), 13 non-binary (1.5%), and 2 preferred not to answer (0.2%).

Results
PROCESS 4.2 (Hayes, 2022) model 4 was used with 5000 bootstrap resamples to examine indirect effects. The confidence interval for the indirect effect of ADHD symptoms through executive function was significant for depressive symptoms, B = 0.85, SE = 0.20, 95% CI [0.48, 1.26], as well as anxiety symptoms, B = 1.36, SE = 0.23, 95% CI [0.94, 1.85].

Conclusion
ADHD symptoms in college students were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety when students reported having stronger executive function skills. Given this association, future research could seek to clarify the role of executive functions in protecting individuals with ADHD from impairments associated with anxiety or depression, and whether treatment that builds executive functioning skills is of value in clinical populations.
B - 70 Profile Analysis of Executive Functioning in Adults with Developmental Disorders on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition—Adult Version (BRIEF2A)
Authors: Sady Maegan D , Barrett-Clarke Adam P , Gioia Gerard A , Harrison Allyson G , Isquith Peter K , Roth Robert M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Children with developmental disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism (ASD), and learning disabilities (LD) often exhibit different profiles of everyday executive function (EF) strengths and weakness. This has not been tested in adults. We examined profiles of self- and informant-reported EF in adults with these developmental disorders on the BRIEF2A.

Method
Ratings on the BRIEF2A scales (Inhibit, Self-Monitor, Shift, Emotional Control, Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Task-Monitor, Organization of Materials) were within-subjects dependent variables in a profile analysis with diagnostic group (ADHD, ASD, LD) as the between-subjects factor in two MANOVAs (self and informant). 79 adults diagnosed with ADHD, 35 with ASD, and 24 with LD along with 165 demographically-matched healthy adults completed Self-Report forms, and 57 with ADHD, 36 with ASD, 24 with LD, and 132 healthy adults completed Informant Report forms.

Results
All effects were significant (p.40) for both self- and informant reports. Profiles of scale elevations differed between diagnostic groups for self- (ŋ2 &gt; 0.10) and informant (ŋ2 &gt; 0.13) reports. Adults with ADHD had highest elevations on the Working Memory and Plan/Organize scales, with the LD group showing a similar profile but to a lesser degree. Adults with ASD were characterized by highest elevations on the Shift scale.

Conclusions
Individuals with common developmental disorders report distinguishable patterns of everyday EF. Those with ADHD report substantial difficulty sustaining working memory, planning, and organizing, while those with ASD report greatest difficulty adapting to change. Individuals with LD show similar profiles to ADHD but to a lesser degree.
B - 72 Cognitive Regulation as a Predictor of Parenting Distress
Authors: Doyle Olivia , Fischer Briana Bon , Hand Phyllis , Seghete Kristen Mackiewicz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine the relationship between adverse childhood events (ACE), executive function, and parenting.

Method
Pregnant individuals with and without a history of substance use were recruited to participate in a longitudinal study on perinatal reward processing and parenting. Data were collected from 111 pregnant participants, from which 43 contributed data at six months postpartum. Childhood trauma was collected via the ACE scale, and executive function (EF) challenges were measured using the Metacognition Index of the Behavior Ratings Inventory of Executive Functions for Adults (BRIEF-A). Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Inventory, Short Form. The parental distress (PD) and parent perception of their child’s dysregulation (DC) scales were calculated from the PSI at the 6-month timepoint (N = 43 dyads, mean infant age = 27.14 (2.45) weeks.). A structural equation modeling approach was utilized to assess the direct and indirect effects of ACEs and EF challenges on PD and DC. A path mediation model was used. All models were estimated using the R Statistical Software Lavaan package. Bootstrapped confidence intervals were calculated for all paths. Missing data were handled using full information maximum likelihood.

Results
We found a significant indirect effect of ACEs on DC through metacognition (β = 0.1, 95% CI [0.01, 0.18], p = 0.026) and a significant indirect effect of ACEs on PD through metacognition (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.02, 0.23], p = 0.019). There were no significant direct effects of ACE on PD or DC.

Conclusion
This analysis supports the hypothesis that EF, specifically cognitive regulation, impacts PS in the context of a history of ACE.
B - 75 The Relationship between BRIEF-A Composite Scores with Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Kent George W , Brandys Tyler R , Clark Emilie , Naatz Lisa , Pyykkonen Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Recent studies have suggested the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) might be measuring emotional distress as opposed to objective executive functioning. The current study explored the relationship between emotional distress on the BRIEF-A - specifically anxiety and depression.

Data Selection
90 participants (75.6% Caucasian, 10.0% Hispanic, 5.6% Asian, 2.2% African-American, 2.2% Middle Eastern, 4.4% Unspecified) assessed at a Midwest clinic were selected based on the presence of relevant scores from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and BRIEF-A.

Data Synthesis
Archival data were analyzed using regression analyses, with each predictor (MMPI-2 clinical scales 2 and 7) entered as predictors of BRIEF BRI and MI composite indices. The full model accounted for 31.5% (p &lt; 0.001) of the variance in BRI. Scale 7 accounted for 30.1% (p &lt; 0.001) of variability in the BRI. Scale 2 was not a significant predictor of BRI and only accounted for an additional 2% of the variability. With regard to MI, the full model accounted for 33.3% (p &lt; 0.001) of the variability in MI. Scale 7 accounted for 27.0% (p &lt; 0.01) of the variability in MI, and Scale 2 contributed an additional 6.3% (P.005) of predictive capacity.

Conclusions
The current analysis identified that emotional distress was a significant predictor of BRIEF-A MI and BRI composite scores, accounting for 31.5% and 33.3% of the variability, respectively. This suggests that these BRIEF-A composite scores are notably correlated with emotional distress. Within this, anxiety was a more potent predictor than depression.
B - 77 Self-Reported Executive Dysfunction Is Related to Emotional Distress: Findings among University Students
Authors: Conner Rachel B , Patrick Sarah D , Richert Mallory , Waldstein Shari R , Spencer Robert J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Performance based neuropsychological tests assess executive functions (EF), but self-report rating inventories may increase ecological validity by inquiring about EF in everyday life. These sources of information often disagree, largely because subjective self-reports are influenced by emotional distress. Research has seldom explored how strongly subjective ratings of EF correlate uniquely with depression and anxiety versus flattering and unflattering self-reports more generally. This project examined the relationship between self-reported EF on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) with performances on tests of EF, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, curiosity, and anger. We hypothesized that BRIEF-A scores would share small correlations with tests of EF, medium correlations with depression and anxiety, and intermediate correlations with anger and curiosity.

Method
151 undergraduates [80% female; age 21.4 (3.8)] completed the BRIEF-A, neuropsychological tests of EF, and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, anger, and curiosity.

Results
The BRIEF-A Behavior Regulation (BRI) and Metacognitive (MI) indices shared a large correlation (r = 0.66), with internal consistencies exceeding 0.90. No correlation between BRIEF-A indices and neuropsychological performances exceeded 0.10. Problems reported on the BRI and MI were positively associated with self-reported depression (r = 0.45) and state anxiety (r = 0.29). The MI had a small correlation with state curiosity (r = −0.21), whereby more metacognitive problems were associated with less curiosity. BRI correlated with state anger at 0.19.

Conclusions
It is unlikely self-reported EF reflects generic positive self-regard and is more closely associated with emotional distress. Users of the BRIEF-A should consider depression and anxiety when interpreting this test.
B - 80 The Long-Term Memory Sign in Adults Referred for Neuropsychological Evaluation
Authors: Tyson Brad , Randolph Lynsey , Lee Jake 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
We investigated the clinical utility of the newly described long-term memory (LTM) sign in adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Individuals with dementia often report short-term episodic memory decline or no memory decline, but rarely report long-term episodic memory decline. The LTM sign refers to patient self-report of long-term episodic memory decline, that is equivalent to/or greater than, subjective short-term episodic memory decline.

Method
The LTM sign was endorsed on a pre-visit intake form and established during clinical interview in 568 patients (M age = 63, SD = 14.3) referred for neuropsychological evaluation at a large medical center in the Northwest United States.

Results
In our sample of 568 patients, 79 (14%) reported the LTM sign. In 79 patients with the LTM sign, 45 were diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder (57%), 23 were diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder (29%), seven had no cognitive or psychiatric diagnosis (9%), and four had dementia (5%). The LTM sign was most common in those with a history of trauma in childhood or adolescence (52/79, 66%) and substance use disorders (50/79, 63%).

Conclusions
The LTM sign was rare in dementia, but common in those with a current psychiatric diagnosis. These findings support the literature on episodic memory decline in dementia populations and suggests that encoding of early memories and/or retrieval of old memories is negatively impacted by a current psychiatric disorder, traumatic events in childhood and adolescence, and lifetime history of substance use disorder. The LTM sign is a valuable addition to the clinical interview of neuropsychological patients.
B - 82 Examining the Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Verbal Learning when Controlling for Intelligence
Authors: O’Brien Veronica , Rickard Amanda 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Previous research investigated how anxiety and depression impact verbal learning, noting that individuals with higher levels of these conditions often struggle with immediate recall in verbal tasks. However, some studies propose that this impact diminishes when controlling for intelligence. This study aimed to clarify if significant differences exist in immediate recall during the initial trial of a verbal learning task among varying levels of anxiety and depression while controlling for intelligence.

Method
Archival data (n = 457) from a college-based testing center were used to construct a database, incorporating Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), and the California Verbal Learning Test –Third Edition Trial 1 data. Data were analyzed using multiple one-way ANOVAs with depression and anxiety used as fixed factors and FSIQ as the covariate.

Results
The first ANOVA revealed a significant effect of anxiety severity on trial 1 recall F(3, 452) = 2.79, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.02, with post-hoc analysis revealing participants with mild anxiety (M = 7.10) recalled significantly more words than those with minimal anxiety (M = 3.21). Conversely, the second ANOVA, showed no significant effect of depression level on trial 1 recall F(3, 444) = 0.921, p = 0.43.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that, when IQ is controlled for, individuals with mild anxiety recall significantly more words than those without anxiety during the first trial of a verbal learning task, suggesting some anxiety may enhance verbal learning. However, no effects of depression on verbal recall are observed.
B - 83 Associations between Memory Aid Use, Memory Complaints, and Meta-Prospective Memory Accuracy
Authors: Schmidt Brianna M , Liming Kathleen D , Fulton Erika K , Huber Becca N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study examined differences in associations between memory aid usage, memory complaints, and meta-prospective memory (PM) accuracy between healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups.

Method
Participants aged 60–90 were recruited from a rural community and neuropsychology clinic and separated into healthy (n = 50) and MCI (n = 31) groups using the MMSE and historical diagnoses. Measures included memory complaints, pre−/postdictions of PM performance, PM performance, and memory aid usage.

Results
There was no significant difference in memory aid usage between groups (t(79) = −0.79, p = 0.43, d = 0.18), nor was aid use correlated with PM performance (r = −0.04, p = 0.71). There was a significant difference in groups’ correlations between total aids used and overall memory complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.13, p = 0.03*); the same pattern emerged for PM-only complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.18, p = 0.03*). There was a significant difference in groups’ correlations between internal aid use and overall memory complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.40, p = 0.02*). Internal aid use was significantly negatively correlated with PM-only complaints in the MCI group (r = −0.41, p = 0.02*), revealing a significant difference between groups (Fisher’s Z = −2.79, p = 0.005*).

Conclusions
Memory aid usage was not related to meta-PM accuracy or PM performance. Groups’ correlations significantly differed between total and internal memory aid usage and overall and PM-only complaints. Overall and internal memory aid usage was associated with fewer memory complaints for MCI groups but greater complaints in controls, suggesting that aid usage may improve or worsen perceptions of memory depending on neurocognitive status.
B - 84 Memory and Attention Predict Narcissistic Personality Characteristics
Authors: Andrade Christina , Perez Susana J , Jacquin Kristine M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) entails grandiosity, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. Research suggests a distinct cognitive profile linked to narcissistic characteristics, including facial recognition and memory issues. Our study examined memory and attention predictors of NPD characteristics in a non-clinical sample, filling a research gap.

Method
Young adult (M = 19.9, SD = 3.4) university students (N = 109) were participants. They identified primarily as women (52.3%) or men (47.7%) and White (65.1%) or African American (29.4%). Measures included Test of Everyday Attention (Robertson et al., 1996) and the Wechsler Memory Scale – IV (Wechsler, 2009) to assess memory and attention functioning. The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – III (Millon et al., 2006) was used to measure narcissistic personality disorder characteristics. The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-4 (Brown et al., 2010) was used to estimate IQ.

Results
Regression analysis revealed significant associations between memory/attention facets and NPD characteristics, F(7, 101) = 2.18, p = 0.04, adj. R2 = 0.07, 95% CI [0, 0.12]. Divided attention (β = −0.236, p = 0.02) and associative memory (β = −0.222, p = 0.04) were significant predictors. After controlling for IQ, associative memory remained significant (β = −0.257, p = 0.02), while divided attention did not (β = −0.102, p = 0.32). Verbal list learning emerged as a risk factor (β = 0.258, p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Our findings align with prior research, indicating cognitive correlates of NPD, particularly poorer associative memory and better verbal list learning. These results suggest a unique cognitive profile for NPD, characterized by high verbal list learning and poor associative memory. Understanding these cognitive underpinnings sheds light on the complexity of NPD and may inform interventions.
B - 85 Verbal Memory Predicts Histrionic Personality Disorder Characteristics
Authors: Folk Kaila , Folk Kaila , Arnburg Angela , Jacquin Kristine M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Our research examined the relationship between Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) symptoms and attention and memory.

Method
Participants were 109 undergraduate students (M = 19.9 years, SD = 3.44; 52.3% women, 47.7% men; 65.1% White, 29.4% Black or African American). Researchers administered the Wechsler Memory Scale-IV and Test of Everyday Attention to measure participants’ memory and attention. Participants also completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory to assess personality characteristics.

Results
Regression was conducted with memory and attention as predictors and HPD symptoms as DV. The full model was not significant, but a model with immediate verbal memory and MCMI validity score was significant, F(2, 106) = 4.55, p = 0.01, adj. R2 = 0.06, 95% CI [0, 0.16]. Logistic regression was conducted with the same predictors and meeting HPD cutoff score as DV. Full model was not significant, but a model that contained verbal memory was significant, F(1, 107) = 5.72, p = 0.02, adj. R2 = 0.04, 95% CI [0, 0.14]. Better verbal memory was associated with more histrionic personality characteristics (beta = 0.228) and greater likelihood to exceed clinical cutoffs for histrionic personality disorder (beta = 0.225).

Conclusion
Our results were not fully consistent with our hypothesis. Verbal memory was the only predictor of HPD symptoms, with better verbal memory predicting more HPD characteristics and greater likelihood of exceeding clinical cutoff scores. Together with prior research outcomes, the results imply HPD is cognitively different from other cluster B disorders in a way that is related to better verbal memory.