SELF-RATED EXECUTIVE FUNCTION: DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION INDEX

The Short Executive Function Scale

This study involved a psychometric evaluation of the Short Executive Function Scale (SEFS), a new 15-item self-report questionnaire measuring five constructs: Planning, Inhibition, Working Memory, Shifting, and Emotional Control. Participants included 717 U.S. undergraduate students (M = 18.9 years old, SD = 1.9; 78.8% cisgender female, 81.7% White) who completed the SEFS. A subset of 156 participants (M = 18.8 years old, SD = 0.9; 79.5% cisgender female, 83.3% White) completed the SEFS again at 2- to 3-month retest along with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). The five-factor model fit well (CFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.079) and each scale had acceptable internal consistency (ω range: .68-.81) and test-retest reliability (ICC range: .75-.89). Apart from Shifting, all SEFS scales had significantly larger convergent validity coefficients with their respective BRIEF-A scales (r range: -.25 to -.70) than discriminant validity coefficients with the PHQ-8 (r range: -.06 to -.28). These findings provide preliminary psychometric support for the SEFS.

Eating competence is related to executive function skills in college students

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the relationship between eating competence (EC) and executive function (EF) skills in college students.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study in which an online survey was administered during autumn quarter 2020 to undergraduate students at a northwestern U.S. public university. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with measures of EC (16-item Satter Eating Competence Inventory, ecSI-2.0™) and EF skills (27-item Executive Function Index, EFI). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the ecSI-2.0™ total score and its four domain scores with each of the five EF skills.

RESULTS

Of the 1996 respondents included in the final analyses, 40.2 % were eating competent (total ecSI-2.0™ ≥32). The mean ecSI-2.0™ score among participants was 28.7. Gender distribution was 72.0 % women, 23.3 % men, and 4.7 % trans-and-gender non-conforming (TGNC) or preferred not to answer. EFI scores were higher among women (70.9) than among men (68.2) and TGNC (64.9). Both total ecSI-2.0™ score and the contextual skills domain were significantly associated with four of the EFI subscales. Internal regulation was related to impulse control and motivational drive. Further significant associations were found with other domains of ecSI-2.0™ and specific EFI subscales.

CONCLUSION

EF skills are associated with EC in college students, particularly skills related to food management and internal regulation. Since both EF and EC can be developed, this study offers promise for future research in an increasingly gender-diverse and neurodiverse college population during a time of increasing independence and autonomy.

Don't Worry About Being You: Relations Between Perceived Authenticity and Mental Health are Due to Self-Esteem and Executive Functioning

Numerous studies show that perceived authenticity is a reliable predictor of mental health outcomes. To expand on these studies, we examined whether such relations could be due to perceived authenticity's confounding with both self-esteem and executive functioning. A representative sample of US participants (N = 446; Mage = 46.10; 51.1% female; 78.0% White) completed measures of perceived authenticity, self-esteem, executive functioning, and various indicators of mental health (e.g., subjective wellbeing, depression). At the bivariate level, perceived authenticity had a positive, large correlation with a mental health composite. However, after controlling for self-esteem and executive functioning, this relationship became nonsignificant and trivial in size. The findings extend basic understanding of how self-relevant constructs contribute to mental health and suggest advice for individuals looking to capitalize on evidence linking perceived authenticity to mental health benefits: Build a strong base of self-worth and exercise agency.

A transdiagnostic approach to neurodiversity in a representative population sample: The N+ 4 model

Background

The concept of neurodiversity draws upon scientific research, and lessons from practice and lived experience to suggest new ways of thinking about neurodevelopmental conditions. Among the formative observations are that characteristics associated with neurodevelopmental conditions are part of a "broader phenotype" of variation across the whole population, and that there appear to be "transdiagnostic" similarities as well as differences in these characteristics. These observations raise important questions that have implications for understanding diversity in neurodevelopmental conditions and in neurocognitive phenotypes across the whole population.

Method

The present work examines broader phenotypes using seven widely used self-report assessments of traits associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Developmental Coordination Disorder/dyspraxia, tic disorders/Tourette's, cortical hyperexcitability associated with subclinical epilepsy, and sensory sensitivities. A representative sample of 995 adults (aged 17-77) in the UK completed self-report measures of neurodiversity, wellbeing, generalized anxiety, and depression, and cognitive abilities (nonverbal intelligence and executive functioning).

Results

We used confirmatory factor analysis to test whether variation and covariation was better characterized (1) by traditional diagnostic labels, or (2) transdiagnostically according to similarities in functions, behaviours, or phenomena. Results indicated that neurodiversity characteristics were best explained using a bifactor model with one general "N" factor and four condition-specific factors.

Conclusion

This was the largest examination to date of the factor structure of broader phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions. It provides critical benchmark data, and a framework approach for asking systematic questions about the structure of neurocognitive diversities seen in the whole population and in people with one or more diagnoses.

Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample

BACKGROUND

With increases in cannabis use and potency, there is a need to improve our understanding of the impact of use on cognitive function. Previous research indicates long-term cannabis use may have a negative effect on executive function. Few studies have examined persistence of it in protracted abstinence, and there is limited evidence of predictors of worse cognitive function in current and former users. In this study, we aim to evaluate the associations between cannabis use status (current, former, and never use) and self-report cognition. Further, we investigate if cannabis use characteristics predict self-report cognitive function.

METHODS

Cross-sectional cannabis use data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), a national survey (N = 36,309) conducted in the USA between 2012 and 2013 were used alongside the Executive Function Index scales. The data were analyzed by using Ordinary Least Squares regression.

RESULTS

Current (N = 3,681, Female = 37.7%) and former users (N = 7,448, Female = 45.4%) reported poorer cognition than never users (N = 24,956, Female = 56.6%). Self-reported cognition of former users was in-between that of current and never users. Several cannabis use characteristics were associated with self-reported cognition in current and former users.

CONCLUSION

While prospective studies are required to confirm, findings suggest cannabis use is linked to worse cognition. There may be some limited recovery of cognition in former users and some cannabis use characteristics predict impairment. These findings add to our understanding of the cognitive impact of cannabis use. As worse cognitive function may impact relapse, findings have implications for personalization of cannabis use disorder treatment.

Morality, self-control, age, type of offence and sentence length as predictors of psychopathy amongst female incarcerated offenders in South Africa

There has been an increase in female incarcerated offenders nationally and internationally. Despite this trend, literature and research on female offenders remain limited compared to their male counterparts. Evidence of the relationship between certain personality disorders and offending behaviour has led numerous countries to prioritise identifying and assessing personality disorders among the offender population. Psychopathic personality traits may contribute to women's risk factors for expressing antisocial behaviours, resulting in their potential future incarceration. Thus, a need exists to understand possible factors that may predict the expression of psychopathic traits in females, which may have notable utility among female offenders. This study aimed to investigate possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst incarcerated female offenders in South Africa. A quantitative research approach, non-experimental research type, and correlational research design were employed. A convenience sampling technique was used. The sample consisted of 139 (N = 139) female offenders housed in two correctional centres in South Africa who voluntarily participated in this study. Correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analysis procedures were conducted to analyse the results. Results indicated (i) a certain combination of predictor variables that statistically and practically significantly explained both primary and secondary psychopathy and (ii) individual predictor variables (e.g., Impulsivity, Simple Tasks, Risk-Seeking, and Self-Centredness) that explained both primary and secondary psychopathy statistically and practically significantly. This study provides valuable information about the possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst female offenders within the context of South Africa. However, further research must be conducted to validate these findings and advance our knowledge on this topic.

Associations of physical activity and history of sports participation with subjective and objective measures of executive functioning in university students

This study examined how physical activity and history of sports participation affect subjective and objective executive functioning in university students. A total of 215 university students aged 18-25 (81% female) completed a virtual assessment of executive function. The correlates were age, sex, physical activity, and history of sports participation. Structural equation modeling was used to examine objective executive function using a three-factor model (shifting, updating, inhibition). The Executive Function Index (EFI) was used to measure subjective executive functioning, and linear regression was used to examine total EFI scores. Physical activity (b = 0.12, p < .01) was a significant correlate of subjective but not objective executive functioning. Male sex and history of sports participation were significantly positively related to the objective measure of inhibition (b = 0.64, p < .01; b = 0.18, p < .05). These findings suggest that subjective and objective measures of executive functioning should be differentiated when investigating their relationship with physical activity and history of sports participation.

A meta-analytic review of the relations between anxiety and empathy

Although theory suggests that empathy may signal a risk for anxiety (Tone & Tully, 2014), the relation between these constructs remains unclear due to the lack of a quantitative synthesis of empirical findings. We addressed this question by conducting three meta-analyses assessing anxiety and general, cognitive, and affective empathy (k's = 70-102 samples; N's = 19,410-25,102 participants). Results suggest that anxiety has a small and significant association with general empathy (r = .08). The relation of clinical anxiety with cognitive empathy was significant but very weak (r = -.03), and small for affective empathy (r = .16). Geographic region and the type of cognitive (e.g., perspective taking, fantasy) and affective empathy (e.g., affective resonance, empathic concern) emerged as moderators. Results suggest that anxiety has a weaker association with general empathy but a stronger association with affective empathy in participants from predominantly collectivistic geographic regions. Further, greater anxiety was weakly associated with less perspective-taking and greater fantasy, and anxiety had a more modest association with empathic concern than other types of affective empathy. Targeting affective empathy (e.g., promoting coping strategies when faced with others' distress) in interventions for anxiety may be beneficial.

Building resilience through daily smartphone app use: results of a pilot study of the JoyPop app with social work students

Background

The JoyPop™ smartphone app is a digital intervention designed to enhance day-to-day resilience in youth, particularly those exposed to traumatogenic events [adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)]. Processes of adaptation that foster resilience in response to high stress include affect, cognitive, and behavioral regulation, and social interaction. Digital interventions have application for youth and those who provide them support, including social work trainees navigating the stressors of university studies concurrent with practice internships. Research on resilience-enhancing apps is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which change occurs and who is most likely to benefit from these interventions.

Methods

Social work student participants (N = 91) were invited to use the JoyPop app two times daily for 28 days. Baseline ACE exposure and change-over-time in affect regulation, stress responsivity, and social support were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks of app use with t-tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling.

Results

Participants identified predominantly as cisgender women of European descent, mean age 26 years (SD = 6.78), 70% undergraduates, and reported consistent daily app use (Mean days = 26.9, SD = 1.90). Self-reported baseline ACE exposure was high (30% ≥ 5+). We tested change-over-time with generalized estimating equation and saw improvement in affect regulation in the Abbreviated Dysregulation Inventory scale (β = -3.38, p = <.001), and subscales of behavioral (β = -1.63, p = <.001), affect (β = -3.24, p = <.001), and cognitive regulation (β = 1.50, p = .009). Perceived stress decreased with app use (β = -2.65, p = <.001) and even more so for participants with reported exposure to more than 4 ACEs (β = -3.786, p = .030).

Conclusions

The exploratory findings from our pilot study suggest that consistent use of the app may enhance multidimensional resilience amongst university students who self-report higher than average levels of baseline traumatogenic exposures. Our findings support an approach modeling resilience as a complex, dynamic, multicomponent process supported by resources within and between individuals. Further testing of the mechanisms of adaptation in response to high stress that enhance resilience and identification of the JoyPop™ app features that influence this change is needed to validate that daily app use could help youth with experiences of past and current high stress to better regulate their affect, reduce stress reactivity, and increase resilience.

Sex difference in driving speed management: The mediation effect of impulse control

Previous studies have shown that male drivers drive faster than female drivers, but there is no agreement on whether impulsivity could induce this sex difference, nor is there a cross-sectional comparison of the effects of different road environments. The purpose of this study was to verify whether impulsivity and impulse control could explain the sex differences in driving speed. A driving simulator study (study 1, N = 41) was performed to investigate whether there were sex differences in driving speeds in two road sections of different complexity, and a questionnaire survey (study 2, N = 163) was conducted to investigate the relationship between sex, impulsivity, impulse control and driving behavior of the participants. The results showed that male drivers drove faster on simple roads, but this difference did not show on complex roads. There were no sex differences in impulsivity traits, but male participants had significant lower levels of impulse control. The results also reveal a partial mediating role of impulse control in the relationship between sex and driving speed. These results suggest that impulse control can predict dangerous driving behaviors and is an important factor in explaining sex differences in driving speed.

On the importance of working memory in the driving safety field: A systematic review

In recent years, many studies have used poor cognitive functions to explain risk safety differences among drivers. Working memory is a cognitive function with information storage and attentional control that plays a crucial role in driver information processing. Furthermore, it is inextricably linked to parameters such as driving performance, driving eye movements and driving neurophysiology, which have a significant impact on drivers' risky behavior and crash risk. In particular, crash risk is a serious risk to social safety and economic development. For this reason, it is necessary to understand how risk-related working memory affects driving so that pre-driving safety pre-training programs and in-vehicle safety assistance systems for driving can be developed accordingly, contributing to the development of semi-autonomous vehicles and even autonomous vehicles. In this paper, a systematic search of the literature over the past 23 years resulted in 78 articles that met the eligibility criteria and quality assessment. The results show that higher working memory capacity, as measured neuropsychologically, is associated with more consistent and safer driving-related parameters for drivers (e.g., lane keeping) and may be related to pupil dilation during risk perception while driving, which is associated with driving outcomes (tickets, pull-overs, penalty points and fines,and driving accidents) is closely related to the perceived usefulness of the human-machine interface, reaction time, standard deviation of steering wheel corners, etc. when the autonomous driving takes over. In addition, higher working memory load interference was associated with more inconsistent and unsafe driving-related parameters (including but not limited to eye movements, electrophysiology, etc.), with higher working memory load being associated with easier driver concentration on the road, faster heart rate, lower heart rate variability, and lower oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) and deoxyhemoglobin (DeoxyHb). Only a limited number of studies have simultaneously investigated the relationship between working memory capacity, working memory load and driving, showing an interaction between working memory capacity and working memory load on lane change initiation and lane change correctness, with working memory capacity acting as a covariate that mediated the effect of working memory load on braking reaction time. In addition, working memory-related cognitive training had a transfer effect on improving driving ability. Overall, working memory capacity determines the upper limit of the number of working memory attention resources, while working memory load occupies part of the working memory attention resources, thus influencing information perception, decision judgment, operational response, and collision avoidance in driving. Future effective interventions for safe driving can be combined with capacity training and load alerting. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of working memory in driving and provide new insights into the design of driver safety training programs and automated driving personalized in-vehicle safety systems and roadside devices such as signage.

The Predictors of Unsafe Behaviors among Nuclear Power Plant Workers: An Investigation Integrating Personality, Cognitive and Attitudinal Factors

Unsafe behaviors, such as violations and human errors, have long been recognized as the main causes of accidents in nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, personal factors that influence unsafe behaviors among NPP workers have not been well examined, especially in an integrated model. This study proposes an integrated contextual mediated model to examine personality, cognitive and attitudinal predictors of unsafe behaviors among commissioning workers at NPPs. The model was verified using structural equation modeling technique with survey data from 177 commissioning workers in two Chinese NPPs. Results show that personality traits (i.e., conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness and agreeableness), executive function and safety attitudes exerted significant effects on unsafe behaviors. In addition, the effects of agreeableness and executive function were partly mediated by safety attitudes. Both conscientiousness and neuroticism indirectly influenced unsafe behaviors through the mediating role of executive function. The findings shed light on the design of evidence-based interventions for safety performance in NPPs.

Prospective Memory, Sustained Attention and Response Inhibition in Poly-Substance Users Stable on Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background: Prospective memory and response inhibition are interrelated constructs, though studied separately in the drug addiction literature. Also, although sustained attention underlies response inhibition, its role in the relation between these functions has been largely neglected. The limited research on the cognitive effects of methadone-maintenance treatment (MMT) further stresses the importance of investigating these effects. Objective: Therefore, the current study focused on possible effects of MMT combined with long-term drug abuse on all these functions. Thirty five long term opiate/poly-substance users in MMT and thirty four drug-free controls were screened for socioeconomic status, anxiety, depression and general, non-verbal intelligence and then tested on a self-report measure of prospective memory and on the Go/No-Go task. Results: Compared to controls, the MMT group scored worse in all functions assessed. Prospective memory scores were also negatively related to Go/NoGo accuracy scores. Conclusion: As predicted, (a) the MMT participants show impairments in prospective memory, sustained attention and response inhibition and (b) prospective memory, response inhibition and sustained attention are related constructs. The results of this study could inform current rehabilitation and relapse prevention cognitive training practices.

Trait anger causes risky driving behavior by influencing executive function and hazard cognition

Drivers with a high level of trait anger feel more intensity of anger on road, contributing to more risky driving behavior and further increasing the probability of collisions. It seems that trait anger directly correlates with risky driving behavior, but how it works in detail remains unknown and previous research indicated executive function and hazard cognition may play a mediation role in it. Our research aims to explore the relationship among these variables and test if there is a multiple mediation model. We sampled 302 valid participants and used online questionnaires, containing trait anger scale (TAS), executive function index (EFI), hazard cognition scale (HCS; representing attitudes towards risky driving behavior), driver behavior questionnaire (DBQ), and self-reported traffic violations (e.g., accidents, penalty points, fines). Hierarchical multiple linear regression of DBQ results show trait anger is a medium but statistically significant predictor of risky driving behavior and drivers' attitude towards risky situations can significantly predict risky driving behavior at medium effect. But risky driving behavior cannot be predicted by executive function. Interestingly, opposing to prior research, zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis of self-reported traffic violations suggests trait anger negatively predicts accidents and fines in the zero-inflation model, and hazard cognition negatively predicts penalty points. Notably, the executive function negatively predicts penalty points and fines in the count model, which confirms our hypothetical direction. They all represent a small effect size in this nonlinear regression model. Path analysis suggested that trait anger influences risky driving behavior through executive function, and hazard cognition both separately and jointly. This study provides a theoretical framework for the transaction model of aggressive driving behavior and offers some possible interventions toward the effect of trait anger on risky driving behavior.

Relationship between Attention Capacity and Hand-Eye Reaction Time in Adolescents between 15 and 18 Years of Age

Some experiences demonstrate a direct correlation between attention capacity and reaction capacity. However, the evidence from adolescents enrolled in the Chilean school system is scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attention capacity and hand-eye reaction time (RT) in adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. Thirty-one adolescents participated voluntarily in this study. The variables were: attention capacity, evaluated through the Evalúa-10 battery (item 1.1), and hand-eye RT, assessed through a simple RT test (SRT) and complex RT (CRT). The relationship between the variables was performed through Pearson's correlation. Comparisons between males and females were performed with the t-test for independent samples (p ˂ 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between attention and CRT (r = -0.43), a very high correlation between attention and SRT in males (r = -0.73), and between attention and CRT in females (r = -0.73). Between males and females, there was no difference in attention (p ˃ 0.05), while males showed better RT in all tests (p ˂ 0.05). Attention positively influences hand-eye RT in both males and females. Likewise, male adolescents present better hand-eye RT than their female peers.

Quantitative proteomic analytic approaches to identify metabolic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats exposed to space radiation

NASA’s planned mission to Mars will result in astronauts being exposed to ∼350 mSv/yr of Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR). A growing body of data from ground-based experiments indicates that exposure to space radiation doses (approximating those that astronauts will be exposed to on a mission to Mars) impairs a variety of cognitive processes, including cognitive flexibility tasks. Some studies report that 33% of individuals may experience severe cognitive impairment. Translating the results from ground-based rodent studies into tangible risk estimates for astronauts is an enormous challenge, but it would be germane for NASA to use the vast body of data from the rodent studies to start developing appropriate countermeasures, in the expectation that some level of space radiation (SR) -induced cognitive impairment could occur in astronauts. While some targeted studies have reported radiation-induced changes in the neurotransmission properties and/or increased neuroinflammation within space radiation exposed brains, there remains little information that can be used to start the development of a mechanism-based countermeasure strategy. In this study, we have employed a robust label-free mass spectrometry (MS) -based untargeted quantitative proteomic profiling approach to characterize the composition of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) proteome in rats that have been exposed to 15 cGy of 600 MeV/n28Si ions. A variety of analytical techniques were used to mine the generated expression data, which in such studies is typically hampered by low and variable sample size. We have identified several pathways and proteins whose expression alters as a result of space radiation exposure, including decreased mitochondrial function, and a further subset of proteins differs in rats that have a high level of cognitive performance after SR exposure in comparison with those that have low performance levels. While this study has provided further insight into how SR impacts upon neurophysiology, and what adaptive responses can be invoked to prevent the emergence of SR-induced cognitive impairment, the main objective of this paper is to outline strategies that can be used by others to analyze sub-optimal data sets and to identify new information.

Stable physical activity patterns predominate in a longitudinal study of physical activity among young adults in Canada from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Physical activity data were collected before and during the pandemic in young adults.

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63% of participants met physical activity guidelines at both timepoints.

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11% newly met guidelines and 25% no longer met guidelines during the pandemic.

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Using physical activity to cope during COVID-19 predicted meeting guidelines.

We examined change in walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and meeting MVPA guidelines from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identified factors associated with newly meeting and no longer meeting MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Complete data were available for 614 young adults participating in the ongoing Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study pre-pandemically in 2010–12 and 2017–20, and during the pandemic in 2020–21. Change in physical activity was examined in four sub-groups (i.e., stable inactive, newly met MVPA guidelines, no longer met MVPA guidelines, stable active). Factors associated with newly and no longer met MVPA guidelines were identified in multivariable logistic regression. While walking and MVPA changed little from 2010-2 to 2017–20, both declined during the pandemic (median for both = -30 min/week). 63.3% of participants reported no change in meeting MVPA guidelines during the pandemic, 11.4% newly met MVPA guidelines and 25.2% no longer met MVPA guidelines. Male sex, not university-educated, amotivated to engage in physical activity reported pre-pandemic, and endorsing physical activity as a COVID-19 coping strategy were associated with newly met MVPA guidelines. Male sex, not university-educated, higher problem-focused coping scores and endorsing physical activity as a COVID-19 coping strategy were protective of no longer met MVPA guidelines. Increased understanding of why some participants increased or decreased MVPA during the pandemic is needed to inform physical activity-related policy during pandemics.

The Facilitative Effect of Impulsiveness on The Dark Triad and Social Network Sites Addiction

This research investigated the relationships of the Dark Triad, impulsiveness, and social network sites (SNS) addiction with adolescents. In particular, this research examined the indirect effects of the measured motor, attentional, and nonplanning impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction. To examine the possible antecedents of SNS addiction, 169 adolescents aged 14-17 were recruited for this research. After obtaining informed consents from their legal guardians, these adolescents completed the Dirty Dozen, the modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – version 11. Results showed that the Dark Triad composite score was positively correlated with SNS addiction and the different aspects of impulsiveness, while SNS addiction was positively correlated with motor impulsiveness. The indirect effect of motor impulsiveness on the relationship of the Dark Triad and SNS addiction was significant. The present findings provide theoretical insights to the development of SNS addiction.

Predicting Space Radiation Single Ion Exposure in Rodents: A Machine Learning Approach

This study presents a data-driven machine learning approach to predict individual Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) ion exposure for ⁴He, ¹⁶O, ²⁸Si, ⁴⁸Ti, or ⁵⁶Fe up to 150 mGy, based on Attentional Set-shifting (ATSET) experimental tests. The ATSET assay consists of a series of cognitive performance tasks on irradiated male Wistar rats. The GCR ion doses represent the expected cumulative radiation astronauts may receive during a Mars mission on an individual ion basis. The primary objective is to synthesize and assess predictive models on a per-subject level through Machine Learning (ML) classifiers. The raw cognitive performance data from individual rodent subjects are used as features to train the models and to explore the capabilities of three different ML techniques for elucidating a range of correlations between received radiation on rodents and their performance outcomes. The analysis employs scores of selected input features and different normalization approaches which yield varying degrees of model performance. The current study shows that support vector machine, Gaussian naive Bayes, and random forest models are capable of predicting individual ion exposure using ATSET scores where corresponding Matthews correlation coefficients and F₁ scores reflect model performance exceeding random chance. The study suggests a decremental effect on cognitive performance in rodents due to ≤150 mGy of single ion exposure, inasmuch as the models can discriminate between 0 mGy and any exposure level in the performance score feature space. A number of observations about the utility and limitations in specific normalization routines and evaluation scores are examined as well as best practices for ML with imbalanced datasets observed.

Subjective executive function deficits in hazardous alcohol drinkers

BACKGROUND

Dependent alcohol drinkers exhibit differences in the structure and function of the brain, and impairments in cognitive function, including executive functions (EFs). Less is known about the impact of non-dependent but hazardous use (that which raises the risk of harm), and it is also unclear to what extent executive impairments in this cohort affect real-world function. The current study examines the relationship between alcohol use, EF and alcohol-related problems, in the general population.

METHODS

A between-groups cross-sectional design assessed EF across two levels of drinking; hazardous (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of ⩾8) and non-hazardous. Alcohol drinkers (n = 666; 136 male; 524 female; six not disclosed; aged 28.02 ± 10.40 years) completed validated questionnaires online assessing subjective EF, alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

RESULTS

Organisation, Strategic Planning, Impulse Control and overall function were significantly impaired in hazardous drinkers. Furthermore, the effect of alcohol on EF, partially mediated the relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

CONCLUSION

Hazardous drinking was associated with lower subjective EF, and this mediated the effect of alcohol on alcohol-related problems. This may be due to changes in prefrontal brain regions, which could indicate greater risk for the development of alcohol dependence (AD). Future research should use additional means to assess EF in hazardous drinkers, including recovery of function, development of AD and the relationship between cognition and alcohol-related daily problems.

Executive and Daily Life Functioning Influence the Relationship Between ADHD and Mood Symptoms in University Students

Objectives: Many studies have indicated a close relationship between ADHD and mood symptoms in university students. In the present study, we explore the role of daily functional impairments and executive functioning in the ADHD-mood relationship. Method: A total of 343 adults (126 males) filled out (a) the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale, (b) the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, (c) the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale, and (d) the Executive Function Index Scale. Results: The correlation between mood symptoms and ADHD was .48 (moderate correlation) and dropped to .15 (weak correlation) when controlling for functional problems and executive functioning. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both functional impairments and executive functioning significantly explained 42% to 53% of the variance of mood symptoms. The addition of ADHD symptoms to the model slightly increased the explained mood variance by only 1%. Conclusion: These findings underline the role of experienced difficulties in triggering mood symptoms in ADHD symptomatology.

Exposure to Low (≤10 cGy) Doses of 4He Particles Leads to Increased Social Withdrawal and Loss of Executive Function Performance

Astronauts on the planned mission to Mars will be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), with proton and He particles accounting (in approximately equal amounts) for ∼75% of the equivalent dose. Exposure to ≤15 cGy of space radiation ions with Z ≥ 15 particles has been shown to impair various executive functions, including attentional set shifting and creative problem-solving in rats. Executive functions also regulate social interactions and mood. Should space radiation exposure alter these executive functions as it does cognitive flexibility, there is the possibility of altered interactions among crew members and team cooperativity during prolonged space exploration. This study characterized the effects of ≤10 cGy 400 MeV/n of 4He particles on cognitive flexibility and social interaction (within freely interacting dyads) in male Wistar rats. Exposure to ≥1 cGy 4He ions induced deficits in the SD and/or CD stages of the attentional set shifting (ATSET) task, as reported after exposure to Z ≥ 15 space radiation ions. Should similar effects occur in astronauts, these data suggest that they would have a reduced ability to identify key events in a new situation and would be more easily distracted by extraneous variables. The irradiated rats were also screened for performance in a task for unconstrained cognitive flexibility (UCFlex), often referred to as creative problem-solving. There was a marked dose-dependent change in UCFlex performance with ∼30% of rats exposed to 10 cGy being unable to solve the problem, while the remaining rats took longer than the sham-irradiated animals to resolve the problem. Importantly, performance in the ATSET test was not indicative of UCFlex performance. From a risk assessment perspective, these findings suggest that a value based on a single behavioral end point may not fully represent the cognitive deficits induced by space radiation, even within the cognitive flexibility domain. Rats that received 5 cGy 4He ion irradiation had a significantly lower level of interaction toward their sham-irradiated partners in a non-anxiogenic (uncaged) dyad interactions study. This is consistent with the social withdrawal previously observed in space radiation-exposed male mice in a three-chamber test. 4He-irradiated rats exhibited a significantly higher incidence and duration of self-grooming, which is even more concerning, given that their dyad partners were able to physically interact with the irradiated rats (i.e., touching/climbing over them). This study has established that exposure of male rats to "light" ions such as He affects multiple executive functions resulting in deficits in both sociability and cognitive flexibility, and possibly affective behavior (reward valuation). Further studies are needed to determine if these space radiation-induced co-morbidities are concomitantly induced within individual rats.

The Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties in the Working Context of Malaysia

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of high-level cognitive and behavioral monitoring skills that are important to employees’ work performance. The 25-item Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised (ESQ-R) measures executive dysfunction in five dimensions (e.g., emotional regulation). Nevertheless, the usability of this newly developed scale for employees remains unclear. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the adopted ESQ-R for working adults in Malaysia. A total of 325 employees responded to an online survey consisted of the ESQ-R, Executive Function Index (EFI), self-rated creativity scale (SRCS), and 9-item Utretch Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) and Employee Well-being Scale. Several CFAs were conducted to compare three competing models. While all models showed a good fit, the 5-factor second-order model that is in line with the theoretical structure is preferable. The ESQ-R showed excellent internal consistency. Moreover, the ESQ-R score was negatively correlated with EFI, creativity, and UWES-9 scores, supporting the convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. The ESQ-R score also explained incremental variance in well-being above and beyond scores of the UWES-9 and SRCS. Taken together, the ESQ-R is a useful tool for assessing employees’ executive dysfunction and suggesting intervention programs helping employees with deficits in EFs.

Correlates of psychopathy in a Tunisian sample of incarcerated women

BACKGROUND

Considerable effort has been devoted to elucidating correlates of psychopathy in males, but only few researchers have turned their attention to this field in female counterparts, with most of the research in this field having been driven from western countries. We aimed to explore psychopathic traits, impulsiveness and psychiatric symptoms that characterize a Tunisian female prison population.

METHOD

Data were collected in a cross-sectional design during September 2017. The sample was comprised of 100 adult females who were incarcerated at the "Manouba Women's Prison" at the time of the survey. The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and The Brief Symptom Inventory were used.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, socioeconomic level (p = .001), tobacco use (p = .001), poly drug use (p = .014) and physically aggressive behaviors in the 6 months before incarceration (p = .043) were significantly associated with psychopathy total scores. After multivariable adjustment, motor impulsiveness (β = 0.426, p < .01) and phobic anxiety (β = 0.284, p < .05) contributed significantly to the variance of psychopathy total scores.

CONCLUSION

The current findings not only add to the growing body of literature on female psychopathy, but also help inform decision making about mental health-related programs and policies in female prison settings in underdeveloped and underrepresented countries similar to our sociocultural context.

Impaired awareness: Why people with multiple sclerosis continue using cannabis despite evidence to the contrary

BACKGROUND

With widespread moves toward legalization of cannabis, increasing numbers of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are using the drug. Emerging MS-related data show that cannabis can cause or exacerbate cognitive dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To understand why people with MS continue using cannabis despite adverse cognitive consequences. It was hypothesized that lack of awareness, a component of metacognition, could explain this decision, in part.

METHOD

Forty pwMS who smoked cannabis almost daily were assigned by odd-even case number selection to either a cannabis continuation (CC) or cannabis withdrawal (CW) group. Both groups were followed for 28 days. All participants completed, at baseline and day 28, the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological tests (BRNB) in MS for measures of processing speed, memory and executive function; Modified fatigue impact scale (mFIS) for self-report indices of cognitive functioning.

RESULTS

No significant baseline differences between the groups on the BRNB and mFIS. At day 28, significant improvement within group was seen on all measures of the BRNB, but only in the CW group (p = .0001 for all indices). A repeat measure ANOVA did not find any significant group (CC vs. CW) × time (baseline and day 28) interactions for the self-report cognitive measures on the mFIS. Cannabis abstainers did report less ability to function away from home. All 19 participants in the CW group reverted to using cannabis on study completion despite being informed individually of their cognitive improvement.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The inability of pwMS to accurately appraise their memory and executive function can help explain, in part, why they continue to smoke cannabis despite objective evidence of the deleterious cognitive side effects of this behavior.

Predicting the physical activity of new parents who participated in a physical activity intervention

RATIONALE

The demands of early parenthood may limit the pursuit of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA); thus, understanding the predictors of MVPA among this population could help build targeted intervention programs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of MVPA, in the form of constructs subsumed within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework, among new parents participating in in a couple-based PA promotion randomized trial across a six-month period in the first year after birth.

METHODS

In total, 264 participants (132 couples) at the two-month point of parenting their first child were enrolled in the trial through advertisements. MVPA, TPB, and M-PAC constructs were assessed via self-report at baseline, and six-week, three-month, and six-month after baseline time-periods.

RESULTS

Dyadic path modeling of the TPB showed that intention only predicted MVPA for mothers and PBC did not predict MVPA. Most of the sample had intentions to be physically active, although the extent to which intentions predicted subsequent MVPA was dependent on mothers and fathers reported strength of planning, habits, and exercise identity (M-PAC variables). Intention was subsequently predicted by affective attitude and PBC for mothers and fathers.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions targeting affective attitude and perceived behavioral control may assist in improving MVPA intentions of new parents; yet, additional intervention strategies to increase planning, habit, and especially exercise identity seems warranted for many parents to close the gap between intention and PA. The findings highlight the complementary approach of intention formation and intention translation theories among new parents.

Delay discounting, cognitive ability, and personality: What matters?

Steep delay discounting is associated with problems such as addiction, obesity, and risky sexual behavior that are frequently described as reflecting impulsiveness and lack of self-control, but it may simply indicate poor cognitive functioning. The present investigation took advantage of the unique opportunity provided by the Human Connectome Project (N=1,206) to examine the relation between delay discounting and 11 cognitive tasks as well as the Big Five fundamental personality traits. With income level and education statistically controlled, discounting was correlated with only four of the 11 cognitive abilities evaluated, although the rs were all small (<.20). Importantly, the two discounting measures loaded on their own factor. Discounting was not correlated with Neuroticism or Conscientiousness, traits related to psychometric impulsiveness and self-control. These findings suggest that steep delay discounting is not simply an indicator of poor cognitive functioning or psychometric impulsiveness but an important individual difference characteristic in its own right.

The effects of substance use and physical activity on cognition: The impact of incongruent health behaviors

BACKGROUND

Cognitive functioning refers to storage and manipulation of information and includes executive functioning (EF) and attention (ATT). While physical activity (PA) improves cognitive functioning, decrements are associated with frequent substance use. This study examined PA on cognitive functioning within the context of past-year substance use.

METHODS

Using NESARC-III data (N = 36,309), cross-sectional analysis examined interactions between self-reported past-year PA and substance use in relation to cognitive functioning.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, light-to-moderate, vigorous, and total PA conditional main effects were positively associated with both facets of cognition, while frequent substance use conditional main effects were negatively associated with ATT and EF. The positive association between PA and cognition was diminished by substance use. Frequent binge drinking, marijuana, cocaine, and opioid use weakened the impact of light-to-moderate PA on EF, and only frequent cocaine use lessened the relationship between vigorous PA on EF. When PA intensities were combined, frequent binge drinking and cocaine use weakened the PA and EF association. Infrequent stimulant use reduced the association between all levels of PA and ATT, while infrequent marijuana use unexpectedly enhanced the relation between vigorous PA and ATT.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, PA enhanced two facets of cognitive functioning across six substances. However, these benefits are reduced in the context of frequency of substance use. The positive association between light-to-moderate PA and EF appears to be more sensitive in the context of frequent substance use than vigorous PA. Implications for public health messaging and PA as cognitive remediation treatment for substance use disorders are discussed.

Progressive increase in the complexity and translatability of rodent testing to assess space-radiation induced cognitive impairment

Ground-based rodent models have established that space radiation doses (approximately those that astronauts will be exposed to on a mission to Mars) significantly impair performance in a wide range of cognitive tasks. Over the last 40 years there has been a progressive increase in both the complexity and the translatability (to humans) of the cognitive tasks investigated. This review outlines technical and conceptual advances in space radiation rodent testing approaches, along with the advances in analytical approaches, that will make data from ground based studies more amenable to probabilistic risk analysis. While great progress has been made in determining the impact of space radiation on many advanced cognitive processes, challenges remain that need to be addressed prior to commencing deep space missions. A summary of on-going attempts to address existing knowledge gaps and the critical role that rodent studies will have in establishing the impact of space radiation on even more complex (human) cognitive tasks are presented and discussed.

Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI): Factor structure, convergent validity, and reliability of a Spanish adaptation

Although there are several ratings to assess Executive Functions (EF) in adults, most of these are lengthy and comprise items which describe extreme or pathologic behaviors (e.g., ADHD symptoms), proving inadequate for the assessment of EF in general population. The Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI) seeks to assess EF taking these limitations into account. The aims of the present study were to analyze the factor structure, the convergent and divergent validity, and the reliability of a Spanish adaptation of the ADEXI in a non-clinical population. The Spanish adaptation of the ADEXI, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS), and an adaptation of the Aggression Scale (AS) were administered to 369 healthy adults between 18 and 60-years-old. To analyze the factor structure of the ADEXI, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used. In addition, the relationship between the inventory and the IRI, the CFS and the AS was analyzed. Finally, Cronbach's α index was calculated. CFA showed that the two-factor model including (1) Working memory and (2) Inhibition best fit the data. Significant correlations were found between the ADEXI scores and the CFS, the IRI and the AS, providing additional evidence of construct validity. The internal consistency of the ADEXI was high (α = 0.87). Taken together, our results indicate that the Spanish adaptation of the ADEXI shows satisfactory psychometric properties and would be a valid and reliable measure to assess EF in non-clinical populations both for clinical and research purposes.

Current Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Executive Functions

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both associated with lower performances on executive function tasks. However, few researchers have evaluated ACEs, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, and executive function difficulties in conjunction. Using an online micropayment service, the current study assessed whether PTS symptoms mediated the relationship between ACEs and executive functions. In total, 83 participants (54.2% female, age: M = 28.86, SD = 7.71) were administered the ACE questionnaire, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Executive Function Index (EFI). A higher number of reported ACEs was related to greater PTS symptom severity (β = .40, p < .001) and worse self-rated executive functions (β = -.32, p = .002). Controlling for the number of reported ACEs, current PTS symptom severity was related to worse executive functions (β = -.45, p < .001). A bootstrapped 95% confidence interval (CI) indicated a significant indirect effect, β = -.18 (95% CI: -.30, -.08), by which current PTS symptoms mediated the relationship between the number of reported ACEs and executive functions. These results suggest that psychological interventions targeting PTS symptoms, in the context of a history of childhood trauma, may concurrently improve executive functions in adult populations.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience With the JoyPop App: Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

The effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health, self-regulatory capacities, and overall resilience are well-known. Given such effects, ACEs may play a role in how individuals adjust to challenges later in life. Of interest in this study is the transition to university, a time of heightened stress when adapting to circumstances is required and when those with ACEs may need additional in-the-moment support to exercise resilience. A smartphone app may provide a worthwhile and readily accessible medium for a resilience intervention, provided behavioral outcomes are adequately evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the impact of an innovative, smartphone app-based resilience intervention. The JoyPop app was designed to promote resilience through the use of self-regulatory skills such as emotion regulation and executive functioning. Among a sample of first-year undergraduate students, we explored whether use of the app would be associated with positive changes in resilience and related outcomes, and whether these benefits were influenced by level of childhood adversity.

METHODS

Participants (N=156) were requested to use the JoyPop app for 4 weeks, at least twice daily. Changes in resilience, emotion regulation, executive functioning, and depression were assessed after 2 and 4 weeks of app usage using multilevel modeling.

RESULTS

The sample of 156 participants included 123 females and 33 males, with a mean age of 19.02 years (SD 2.90). On average participants used the app on 20.43 of the possible 28 days (SD 7.14). App usage was associated with improvements in emotion regulation (χ²₁=44.46; P<.001), such that it improved by 0.25 points on the 18-point scale for each additional day of app usage, and symptoms of depression (χ²₁=25.12; P<.001), such that depression symptoms were reduced by .08 points on the 9-point scale with each additional day of app usage. An interaction between ACEs and days of app usage existed for emotion regulation, such that participants with more adversity evidenced a faster rate of change in emotion regulation (P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight that daily incorporation of an app-based resilience intervention can help youth who have experienced adversity to improve emotion regulation skills and experience reductions in depression. The JoyPop app represents an important step forward in the integration of resilience intervention research with a technology-based medium that provides in-the-moment support.

Multiple Substance Use Disorders and Self-Reported Cognitive Function in U.S. Adults: Associations and Sex-Differences in a Nationally Representative Sample

Polysubstance use is a growing public health concern that has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Compared to single-drug users, this population suffers greater deficits in cognitive function, which hinder treatment success and recovery. Despite its high prevalence and poor prognosis, epidemiological research on polysubstance use and accompanying cognitive profile is lacking. We investigated associations between numbers of past-year co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-reported cognitive function using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey for Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Regression analyses revealed a significant negative association between cognitive scores and numbers of past-year SUDs, which was moderated by sex. After adjusting for confounding variables, greater numbers of SUDs were associated with declining self-reported cognitive function, and this relationship was stronger among females. Our findings expand on current literature on cognitive impairments among polysubstance users and provide a novel, nuanced description of this relationship among the general population. We highlight the need for targeted and individualized treatment approaches in order to improve outcomes in this population.

Correlates of Perceived Physical Activity Transitions during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Canadian Adults

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore socio-ecological predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic restrictions.

METHOD

A representative sample of 1,055 English-speaking Canadians (18+ years) completed measures of MVPA during the COVID-19 restrictions and reflecting on MVPA prior to these restrictions, as well as demographics, COVID-19-related cognitions and behavior (i.e. perceived threat, social distancing), psychological factors (e.g. personality traits, habit, identity, strategic planning), social factors (e.g. dependent children, co-habitation), home environment affordances (exercise equipment, programming) and the neighborhood environment (e.g. access to outdoor recreation, neighborhood safety).

RESULTS

Participants perceived that they had decreased weekly MVPA (p < .01) and the availability of home equipment and strategic planning were critical predictors (p < .01). Profiles by MVPA guidelines, however, showed that 58 per cent of the sample had not changed and 6 per cent had increased MVPA. Identity was the critical predictor of the different MVPA profiles, followed by habit, extraversion, availability of home equipment, and the age of the participant (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Pandemic restrictions have affected the MVPA of many Canadians, and variables across the socio-ecological spectrum explain who has been able to maintain MVPA during this unprecedented time.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based relapse prevention for opioid use disorders

The opioid misuse epidemic has reached a crisis level in the United States. Though mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) has been shown as effective in treating substance use disorders, there is limited research on its application to opioid use disorders specifically, and there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms. This paper outlines a protocol for a randomized controlled trial of MBRP for opioid use disorders. MBRP is a group aftercare program that integrates mindfulness skills training with cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention strategies. We will recruit 240 participants who have completed opioid use disorder treatment, and randomize them to an 8-week MBRP group intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) control group. The TAU control group will complete the intervention after 8 weeks. Assessments will take place at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. The primary outcome is frequency of opioid use. The secondary outcomes include craving and withdrawal symptoms, time to first opioid use, adherence to medication-assisted treatment plans, perceived stress, quality of life, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and chronic pain. We will also examine the following potential moderators and correlates of intervention outcomes: comorbid diagnoses, life events history, and MBRP intervention adherence. In addition, we will examine the following mediators of intervention outcome: mindfulness skills, emotion regulation skills, executive functioning skills, savoring, and positive and negative affect. This study will contribute to the evidence base regarding MBRP's efficacy in reducing opioid use, as well as contribute to the understanding of the causal mechanisms and factors that modify treatment outcome for MBRP for substance use disorders.

Linking executive functions to distracted driving, does it differ between young and mature drivers?

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Certain executive functions significantly affect the willingness of distracted driving; however, little research has compared the effects of executive functions on distracted driving behaviors in different aged populations. This study explores and compares the behavioral and cognitive processes underlying distracted driving behaviors in young and mature drivers. A total of 138 participants aged 18–65 years old completed a self-report questionnaire for measuring executive function index and distracted driving behaviors. Independent sample t-tests were conducted for executive functions (motivational drive, organization, strategic planning, impulse control, and empathy) and driving variables to examine any differences between young and mature groups. Partial correlation coefficients and z-score of these comparisons were calculated to compare the differences between age groups. Furthermore, multiple hierarchical regression models were constructed to determine the relative contributions of age, gender, and executive functions on distracted driving behaviors. Results demonstrated the following: (1) Mature drivers performed better for impulse control, the executive function index as well as the measure of distracted driving behavior than young drivers; (2) the relationships between executive functions and distracted driving behaviors did not significantly differ between young and mature drivers; (3) for both young and mature drivers, motivational drive and impulse control were found to significantly improve the prediction of distracted driving behavior in regression models. The findings emphasize that similar behavioral and cognitive processes are involved in distracted driving behavior of young and mature drivers, and can promote a single strategy for driver education and accident prevention interventions for both age groups.

Self-reported cognition and marijuana use in older adults: Results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions-III

Marijuana use among older adults is on an unprecedented rise, yet little is known about its effects on cognition in this population where, due to advanced age, risk for cognitive decline is high. Thus, we investigated whether marijuana use and use characteristics were associated with self-reported cognition among older adults ages ≥ 50 years using the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Respondents either had never used marijuana ("never": n = 10,976), used but not in the past 12 months ("former": n = 2990), or used in the past 12 months ("current": n = 712). Self-reported cognition was measured using the Executive Function Index. Marijuana and substance use characteristics were obtained using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5. Covariates included demographics, mental health and disability, and comorbid mental and substance use disorder. Using general linear models of cross-sectional data, we found that current users, particularly those with cannabis use disorder, reported worse cognition than never or former users, but these effects were small in magnitude. Among both former and current users, greater duration of past use was associated with worse cognition. Frequent use within the past 12 months was associated with worse cognition among current users, but daily users reported better cognition compared to monthly or weekly users. Thus, marijuana use may impact self-reported cognition in older adulthood, although these effects may be subtle, specific to particular use characteristics, and possibly affected by self-awareness of deficits. Future work using objective measures such as neuropsychological testing or neuroimaging may better elucidate these effects.

Text-Message Dependency, Executive Function, and Impulsivity in College Students: A Cluster Analysis

This study examined whether text-message users would differ in levels of executive function, a trait of impulsivity, and impulsive decision making. A sample of 167 college students (57 percent of whom were female and the mean age was 19.9 years with the standard deviation of 4.1) participated. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis with levels of text-message dependency, the participants were grouped into excessive and dependent users (dependent users), excessive but nondependent users (excessive users), or nonexcessive and nondependent users (normal users). The groups were then compared on the extent to which they differed in levels of executive function, impulsivity, and impulsive decision making. The results showed that, relative to excessive users, dependent users were lower on levels of executive function and higher on levels of the trait of impulsivity. The moderating effects of gender on these differences were also examined, but gender did not significantly moderate the differences. This study demonstrated that excessive text-message users are not necessarily dependent text-message users and executive function and impulsivity may play an important role in differentiating the two types of users.

Predicting Errors, Violations, and Safety Participation Behavior at Nuclear Power Plants

Commissioning workers at nuclear power plants have long been ignored in previous studies, although their performance is closely related to the overall safety of plants. This study aimed to explain and predict three types of behavior, i.e., errors, violations, and safety participation, of commissioning workers, under the general framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and by considering organization and planning factors. The validity of the model was evaluated with a sample of 167 commissioning workers who completed a self-reported questionnaire. The results showed that perceived behavioral control, along with organization and planning, significantly affected all types of behavior. It was also found that violations and errors were a direct result of attitude. Besides, errors were predicted by subjective norm; unexpectedly, this occurred in a positive way. These findings revealed the underlying mechanisms for the development of errors, violations, and safety participation among commissioning workers and provided practical implications for safety improvement at the commissioning workplace.

The Role of Executive Functions in the Development of Empathy and Its Association with Externalizing Behaviors in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Other Psychiatric Comorbidities

Executive functions have been previously shown to correlate with empathic attitudes and prosocial behaviors. People with higher levels of executive functions, as a whole, may better regulate their emotions and reduce perceived distress during the empathetic processes. Our goal was to explore the relationship between empathy and executive functioning in a sample of children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder alone or associated with comorbid Disruptive Behavior Disorders and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also aimed to examine the role of empathic dimensions and executive skills in regulating externalizing behaviors. The 151 participants with ADHD were assigned to four groups according to their psychiatric comorbidity (either "pure" or with ASD and/or ODD/CD) and assessed by means of either parent- or self-reported questionnaires, namely the BRIEF-2, the BES, and the IRI. No questionnaire was found to discriminate between the four groups. Affective Empathy was found to positively correlate with Emotional and Behavioral Regulation competences. Furthermore, Aggressiveness and Oppositional Defiant Problems were positively associated with Executive Emotional and Behavioral Regulation competences. On the other hand, Rule-Breaking Behaviors and Conduct Problems were negatively associated with Affective Empathy and with Behavioral skills. Our study provides an additional contribution for a better understanding of the complex relationship between empathic competence and executive functions, showing that executive functioning and empathic attitudes interact with each other to regulate aggressive behaviors. This study further corroborates developmental models of empathy and their clinical implications, for which externalizing behaviors could be attenuated by enhancing executive functioning skills.

Differential associations of neurobehavioral traits and cognitive ability to academic achievement in higher education

BACKGROUND

People vary between each other on several neurobehavioral traits, which may have implications for understanding academic achievement.

METHODS

University-level Psychology or Engineering students were assessed for neurobehavioral traits, intelligence, and current psychological distress. Scores were compared with their grade point average (GPA) data.

RESULTS

Factors associated with higher GPA differed markedly between groups. For Engineers, intelligence, but not neurobehavioral traits or psychological distress, was a strong correlate of grades. For Psychologists, grades were not correlated with intelligence but they were with the neurobehavioral traits of executive dysfunction, disinhibition, apathy, and positive schizotypy. However, only the latter two were associated independently of psychological distress. Additionally, higher mixed-handedness was associated with higher GPA in the combined sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological factors (i.e., neurobehavioral traits and intelligence), are differentially associated with university-level grades, depending on the major studied. However, mixed-handedness may prove to be a better general predictor of academic performance across disciplines.

Executive Functioning and Impairment in Emerging Adult College Students With ADHD Symptoms

Objective: To better understand current issues with adult ADHD assessment contributing to adult ADHD being under recognized and undertreated. Method: This study examined the relationship between symptoms, impairment, and executive functioning (EF) in a college sample. Results: Among individuals screening negative for ADHD, those higher in EF experienced significantly less impairment than those lower in EF. Executive functioning was shown to have a negative relationship with impairment while ADHD symptomology was shown to have a positive relationship with impairment. In addition, impairment was significantly predicted by ADHD symptom level and EF, and there was a significant interaction between EF and ADHD symptom level in predicting impairment. However, high EF did not significantly protect against impairment in individuals reporting a significant level of ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Further research is needed to clarify the relationships between these variables in emerging adult college students.

A cluster analysis of text message users based on their demand for text messaging: A behavioral economic approach

The goal of this study was to determine whether cluster analysis could be used to identify distinct subgroups of text message users based on behavioral economic indices of demand for text messaging. Cluster analysis is an analytic technique that attempts to categorize cases based on similarities across selected variables. Participants completed a questionnaire about mobile phone usage and a hypothetical texting demand task in which they indicated their likelihood of paying an extra charge to continue to send text messages. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted on behavioral economic indices, such as demand intensity, demand elasticity, breakpoint, and the maximum expenditure. With the cluster analysis, we identified 3 subgroups of text message users. The groups were characterized by (a) high intensity and low elasticity, (b) high intensity and medium elasticity, and (c) low intensity and high elasticity. In a demonstration of convergent validity, there were statistically significant and conceptually meaningful differences across the subgroups in various measures of mobile phone use and text messaging. Cluster analysis is a useful tool for identifying and profiling distinct, practically meaningful groups based on behavioral indices and could provide a framework for targeting interventions more efficiently.