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Suchy Y, Gereau Mora M, Brothers SL, DesRuisseaux LA. Six elements test vs D-KEFS: what does "Ecological Validity" tell us? J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:350-359. [PMID: 38465734 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extensive research shows that tests of executive functioning (EF) predict instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) but are nevertheless often criticized for having poor ecological validity. The Modified Six Elements Test (MSET) is a pencil-and-paper test that was developed to mimic the demands of daily life, with the assumption that this would result in a more ecologically valid test. Although the MSET has been extensively validated in its ability to capture cognitive deficits in various populations, support for its ability to predict functioning in daily life is mixed. This study aimed to examine the MSET's ability to predict IADLs assessed via three different modalities relative to traditional EF measures. METHOD Participants (93 adults aged 60 - 85) completed the MSET, traditional measures of EF (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System; D-KEFS), and self-reported and performance-based IADLs in the lab. Participants then completed three weeks of IADL tasks at home, using the Daily Assessment of Independent Living and Executive Skills (DAILIES) protocol. RESULTS The MSET predicted only IADLs completed at home, while the D-KEFS predicted IADLs across all three modalities. Further, the D-KEFS predicted home-based IADLs beyond the MSET when pitted against each other, whereas the MSET did not contribute beyond the D-KEFS. CONCLUSIONS Traditional EF tests (D-KEFS) appear to be superior to the MSET in predicting IADLs in community-dwelling older adults. The present results argue against replacing traditional measures with the MSET when addressing functional independence of generally high-functioning and cognitive healthy older adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Muñoz E, Yan J, Tse HW, Zavala D, López BG, Kim SY. Prospective Effects of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Cognitive Control Among Mexican-Origin Women. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1294-1304. [PMID: 36881689 PMCID: PMC10394994 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive control predicts functional independence and cognitive health outcomes, but is yet to be known the extent to which social stress, like discrimination, may diminish cognitive control capacities in Mexican-origin women. We evaluated the prospective associations between everyday and ethnic discrimination on cognitive control and examined the mediating effects of depressive symptoms on these links. We further examined the extent to which associations varied by age and financial strain. METHODS We used data from 596 Mexican-origin women (average age = 38.89, standard deviation = 5.74) who participated in a 3-wave longitudinal study spanning 8 years (from 2012 to 2020). Participants completed measures of everyday and ethnic discrimination at Wave 1, depressive symptoms in Waves 1 and 2, and completed computer-based tasks of cognitive control at Wave 3. Self-reported assessments of financial strain were completed at Wave 2. Moderated mediation structural equation models were implemented to test hypotheses. RESULTS Depressive symptoms significantly mediated the prospective association between everyday/ethnic discrimination to cognitive control. Higher levels of everyday and ethnic discrimination at baseline were associated with more depressive symptoms at Wave 2, which were then related to poorer cognitive control (i.e., longer reaction time in congruent and/or incongruent trials) at Wave 3. There was no significant moderation of age. Among those with low financial strain, higher levels of everyday discrimination were related to faster response times. DISCUSSION Results revealed the long-term consequences of experiences with discrimination on cognitive control that operate through increased depressive symptoms and that may have some subtle differential effects across levels of financial strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Muñoz
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jinjin Yan
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Hin Wing Tse
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Daisy Zavala
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Belem G López
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland,USA
| | - Su Yeong Kim
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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DesRuisseaux LA, Suchy Y, Franchow EI. Intra-individual variability identifies individuals vulnerable to contextually induced executive lapses. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:322-349. [PMID: 35392764 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2055651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Contextual stressors, such as engagement in burdensome emotion regulation known as expressive suppression (ES), can result in transient but clinically meaningful decrement in performance on measures of executive functioning (EF). The goal of the present investigation was to examine whether intra-individual variability (IIV-I), which has been identified as an indicator of cognitive weakness, could serve as a marker of vulnerability to EF decrements due to both naturally-occurring and experimentally-manipulated ES. In Study 1, 180 cognitively healthy older adults completed the Push-Turn-Taptap (PTT) task to assess IIV-I, four Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) subtests to assess EF, and the Burden of State Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (B-SERQ) to assess naturally-occurring ES. In Study 2, a subset (n = 81) of participants underwent experimental manipulation to induce ES, followed by second administration of the D-KEFS to examine ES-induced decrements in EF. In Study 1, hierarchical linear regression yielded a significant interaction between ES and IIV-I as predictors of EF performance, demonstrating that high ES was associated with low EF only among individuals with high IIV-I. In Study 2, repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated an interaction between time (pre- vs. post- manipulation), group (ES vs. control), and IIV-I (high vs. low), such that only individuals who exhibited high IIV-I were negatively impacted by the ES manipulation. IIV-I moderates the association between ES and EF, such that only individuals with high IIV-I exhibit vulnerability to the impact of ES. Thus, IIV-I may act as a marker of vulnerability to temporary EF depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Emilie I Franchow
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Advocate Aurora Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Suchy Y, Lipio Brothers S, DesRuisseaux LA, Gereau MM, Davis JR, Chilton RLC, Schmitter-Edgecombe M. Ecological validity reconsidered: the Night Out Task versus the D-KEFS. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2022; 44:562-579. [PMID: 36412540 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2022.2142527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although executive functioning (EF) correlates with execution of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), tests of EF have been criticized for having poor ecological validity. Attempts have been made to develop new tests that approximate naturalistic daily tasks. However, the incremental utility of such tests has not been convincingly demonstrated. The Night Out Task (NOT) is a novel measure designed to increase ecological validity. This study examined whether the NOT correlates with traditional lab- and home-based measures of EF and IADLs, and whether it outperforms traditional measures of EF in predicting IADLs. METHOD Participants (50 adults aged 60 to 95) completed (1) the Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) and IADLs in the laboratory, and (2) ecological momentary assessment of EF and daily IADL tasks at home across three weeks (using the Daily Assessment of Independent Living and Executive Skills protocol; DAILIES). RESULTS The NOT correlated with a lab-based measure of EF beyond covariates, and lab-based IADLs beyond covariates and beyond the D-KEFS. However, it was unrelated to at-home variables beyond covariates. In contrast, the D-KEFS was a significant predictor of at-home IADLs, and this association was mediated by at-home EF performance. CONCLUSION This study provides a preliminary validation of the NOT as a correlate of office-based performances in a primarily college educated white sample. Despite its high face validity, the NOT does not appear to sufficiently tap EF processes needed for home-based IADLs as measured by the DAILIES, although small sample size limits the interpretability of this negative finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle M Gereau
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Justin R Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Suchy Y, Mullen CM, Brothers S, Niermeyer MA. Interpreting executive and lower-order error scores on the timed subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) battery: Error analysis across the adult lifespan. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2020; 42:982-997. [PMID: 33267731 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1832203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) is a battery of tests designed to measure executive functions (EF). Additionally, the D-KEFS contains lower-order tasks, designed to control for speed of visual scanning, sequencing, and verbal and graphomotor output. The construct and criterion validities of D-KEFS scores that are time-based are well established. However, the constructs measured by the D-KEFS error scores are poorly understood, making clinical interpretations of such scores difficult. This study examined the construct validity of D-KEFS errors committed on EF tasks and tasks designed to measure lower-order processes (i.e., non-EF tasks), across the adult lifespan. METHOD Participants were 427 adults (18-93 years) who completed the timed subtests of the D-KEFS. Four hundred two participants also completed the Push-Turn-Taptap (PTT; a separate measure of EF) to allow cross-validation. RESULTS General linear regressions showed that D-KEFS errors committed on the EF tests were associated with EF timed performance (assessed using the D-KEFS time-based scores and the PTT), but only among older adults. Importantly, errors committed on the D-KEFS tasks of lower-order processes were also associated with D-KEFS time-based EF performance, and this relationship held across the adult lifespan. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that among older adults EF errors on the D-KEFS can be interpreted as indices of EF, but such interpretations are not automatically warranted for younger adults. Additionally, errors committed on non-EF tasks contained within the D-KEFS battery can be interpreted as reflecting EF weaknesses across the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Christine M Mullen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stacey Brothers
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Madison A Niermeyer
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
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Suchy Y, Brothers S, Mullen CM, Niermeyer MA. Chronic versus recent expressive suppression burdens are differentially associated with cognitive performance among older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2020; 42:834-848. [PMID: 32951515 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1817862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Expressive suppression (ES; suppression of affective behavior) has been shown to have a deleterious impact on subsequently administered tests of executive functions (EF), threatening validity, and reliability of EF assessment. Past research has shown that recent ES (i.e., across 24 hours prior to testing) and chronic ES (i.e., across 2 weeks prior to testing) have differential impact on test performance. The present study compared the association of chronic vs. recent ES with speed vs. accuracy of performance on tests of EF and tests of lower-order processes. METHOD Participants were 255 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older. Participants completed timed subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System and the Burden of State Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. RESULTS Hierarchical linear regressions examined the contributions of chronic vs. recent ES to test performance. Recent ES was related to scores of both speed and accuracy on EF tests. The association between recent ES and EF errors held beyond covariates (i.e., chronic ES, demographics, depression, and general cognitive status). In contrast, the association between recent ES and EF speed was fully explained by EF error scores. Chronic ES was associated only with speed of performance and only on lower-order tasks, but this relationship did not survive correction for cognitive, psychiatric, and demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS Recent ES appears to be a risk factor for EF lapses. Chronic ES, while related to performance speed, seems to also relate to several other cognitive, psychiatric, and demographic factors, which themselves explain slower information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stacey Brothers
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christine M Mullen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Madison A Niermeyer
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Preliminary Psychometrics for the Executive Function Challenge Task: A Novel, "Hot" Flexibility, and Planning Task for Youth. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2020; 26:725-732. [PMID: 32178755 PMCID: PMC8647841 DOI: 10.1017/s135561772000017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Executive functions (EF) drive health and educational outcomes and therefore are increasingly common treatment targets. Most treatment trials rely on questionnaires to capture meaningful change because ecologically valid, pediatric performance-based EF tasks are lacking. The Executive Function Challenge Task (EFCT) is a standardized, treatment-sensitive, objective measure which assesses flexibility and planning in the context of provocative social interactions, making it a "hot" EF task. METHOD We investigate the structure, reliability, and validity of the EFCT in youth with autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder; n = 129), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with flexibility problems (n = 93), and typically developing (TD; n = 52) youth. RESULTS The EFCT can be coded reliably, has a two-factor structure (flexibility and planning), and adequate internal consistency and consistency across forms. Unlike a traditional performance-based EF task (verbal fluency), it shows significant correlations with parent-reported EF, indicating ecological validity. EFCT performance distinguishes youth with known EF problems from TD youth and is not significantly related to visual pattern recognition, or social communication/understanding in autistic children. CONCLUSIONS The EFCT demonstrates adequate reliability and validity and may provide developmentally appropriate, treatment-sensitive, and ecologically valid assessment of "hot" EF in youth. It can be administered in controlled settings by masked administrators.
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Suchy Y. Introduction to special issue: Contextually valid assessment of executive functions in the era of personalized medicine. Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 34:613-618. [PMID: 32295481 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1748827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Niermeyer MA, Suchy Y. Walking, talking, and suppressing: Executive functioning mediates the relationship between higher expressive suppression and slower dual-task walking among older adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:775-796. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2019.1704436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Suchy Y, Ziemnik RE, Niermeyer MA, Brothers SL. Executive functioning interacts with complexity of daily life in predicting daily medication management among older adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:797-825. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2019.1694702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Niermeyer MA, Suchy Y. The vulnerability of executive functioning: The additive effects of recent non-restorative sleep, pain interference, and use of expressive suppression on test performance. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:700-719. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2019.1696892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Naturally Occurring Expressive Suppression is Associated with Lapses in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019; 25:718-728. [PMID: 31148529 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617719000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Expressive suppression (i.e., effortful regulation of overt affect) has a deleterious impact on executive functioning (EF). This relationship has potential ramifications for daily functioning, especially among older adults, because a close relationship exists between EF and functional independence. However, past research has not directly examined whether expressive suppression impacts instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The present study examined this association among older adults. METHODS One hundred ten community-dwelling older adults completed a self-report measure of acute (past 24 hr) and chronic (past 2 weeks) expressive suppression, a timed test of IADL, and the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale as a measure of EF. RESULTS High chronic expressive suppression was related to slow IADL performance beyond covariates (age, IQ, depression), but only for individuals with low EF. High acute expressive suppression was associated with lower accuracy on IADL tasks beyond covariates (IQ, depression), but this association was fully explained by EF. CONCLUSIONS The current results suggest that expressive suppression is associated with less efficient and more error-prone IADL performance. EF fully accounted for the relationship between acute expressive suppression and IADL performance, showing that suppression is a risk factor for both poorer EF performance and functional lapses in daily life. Furthermore, individuals with weaker EF may be particularly vulnerable to the effect of chronic expressive suppression. (JINS, 2019, 25, 718-728).
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Suchy Y, Holmes LG, Strassberg DS, Gillespie AA, Nilssen AR, Niermeyer MA, Huntbach BA. The Impacts of Sexual Arousal and Its Suppression on Executive Functioning. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:114-126. [PMID: 29723074 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1462885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Suppression of certain types of reflexive emotional responses is thought to temporarily deplete executive functions (EF), as evidenced by poorer performance on measures of EF, but does not deplete other, lower-order cognitive processes. This study examined whether similar decrements in performance on EF tests would occur following suppression of sexual arousal. A sample of 44 male college students underwent baseline cognitive assessment (EF and lower-order cognitive processes), followed by experimental manipulation consisting of exposure to sexually explicit audiovisual stimuli. Sexual arousal was monitored using penile plethysmography. In this study, 21 participants were assigned to a suppression condition and were instructed to suppress sexual arousal during the video, while 23 were assigned to an arousal condition and were instructed to allow themselves to become aroused. Following experimental manipulation, cognition was reassessed. Unexpectedly, results showed EF decrements in the arousal group but not in the suppression group. As expected, only EF was affected by experimental manipulation, with no group differences in lower-order cognitive processes. Thus, the findings suggest that sexual arousal is associated with temporary decrements in EF performance, at least among young, primarily White, male college students. The results contribute to understanding why sexually charged situations are sometimes associated with poor decisions or unsafe/reckless sexual practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- a Department of Psychology , University of Utah
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Deleterious Impact of Expressive Suppression on Test Performance Persists at One-Year Follow-Up in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019; 25:29-38. [PMID: 30362445 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Expressive suppression (ES) is an emotion-regulation strategy that is associated with poorer performance on subsequently administered tests of executive functioning (EF). It is not known, however, how far into the future ES interferes with EF. This study examined whether (a) ES negatively affects performance on EF tests repeated 1 year after the initial administration (presumably through interference with learning, leading to a reduced practice effect), and (b) whether such an effect, if seen, is unique to EF or whether it also affects lower-order cognitive processes needed for EF test performance. METHODS Sixty-six non-demented community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either an ES group or control group. Executive and non-executive tests were administered before and immediately following the exposure to an emotionally evocative video, and then again at 1-year follow-up. Groups were compared at 1-year follow-up on tests of EF and lower-order processes, to examine whether the previously demonstrated impact of ES on EF is evident only immediately following the experimental manipulation (Franchow & Suchy, 2017), or also at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS The results showed that participants who engaged in ES continued to exhibit poorer performance on EF tests 1 year later. This effect was not present for performance on tests of lower-order processes. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the use of ES before an EF task can interfere with the ability to benefit from exposure to that task, thereby negatively affecting future performance. (JINS, 2019, 25, 29-38).
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Niermeyer MA, Ziemnik RE, Franchow EI, Barron CA, Suchy Y. Greater naturally occurring expressive suppression is associated with poorer executive functioning and motor-sequence learning among older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2018; 41:118-132. [PMID: 30102116 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2018.1502257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Unusually high engagement in expressive suppression (i.e., purposeful regulation of overt affect) has been associated with poorer performance on executive functioning (EF) and motor-sequence learning tasks. As such, expressive suppression represents one possible source of fluctuations in executive test performance. However, the relationship between expressive suppression and EF and motor performance has not yet been examined in older adults, who are more prone to EF and motor fluctuations than are younger adults. The purpose of this study was to test whether greater self-reported, naturally occurring expressive suppression is related to poorer EF performance and motor-sequence learning in older adults. Method: One hundred and ten community-dwelling older adults completed a self-report measure of expressive suppression, a battery of EF tests, and a computer-based measure of motor-sequence learning. Results: As expected, higher self-reported burden of expressive suppression in the 24 hours prior to testing was related to poorer performance on EF tests and on multiple aspects of motor-sequence learning (action planning latencies and sequencing errors) even after accounting for age, depressive symptoms, and component processes (e.g., processing speed). Conclusions: The current results suggest that naturally occurring expressive suppression depletes EF, which builds on previous findings from experimental studies that show that expressive suppression leads to reduced EF performance. Furthermore, this effect can be captured using self-report methods. These findings highlight expressive suppression as one source of intraindividual fluctuations in executive and motor functioning, which likely place older adults at risk for both functional and motor lapses (e.g., medication mistakes, falls).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemary E Ziemnik
- a Department of Psychology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Emilie I Franchow
- b Behavioral Healthcare Line , New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System , Albuquerque , NM , USA
| | - Casey A Barron
- a Department of Psychology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Yana Suchy
- a Department of Psychology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accurate detection of executive dysfunction in neuropsychological assessments is complicated by the fact that executive functioning (EF) is vulnerable to temporary disruption (i.e., lapses), with more frequent lapses in older adulthood. Effortful regulation of affect (i.e., expressive suppression) is a well-known source of executive lapses in younger adults, but the generalizability of this depleting effect to older adults is unknown. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine whether EF is subject to depletion via expressive suppression and (2) to examine whether this effect is unique to EF, or whether it also applies to lower-order component processes in older adults. METHODS Ninety-seven non-demented, community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either an expressive suppression group or control group. We compared performance of the groups on a battery of tests measuring EF and component processes both before and after exposure to emotionally evocative stimuli. RESULTS Consistent with the hypothesized depletion effect, suppressing participants showed an attenuated practice effect on post-manipulation EF relative to controls, while performance on lower-order component processes was unaffected by suppression. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that depletion contributes to executive lapses in older adulthood. (JINS, 2017, 23, 341-351).
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Niermeyer MA, Suchy Y, Ziemnik RE. Motor sequencing in older adulthood: relationships with executive functioning and effects of complexity. Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 31:598-618. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2016.1257071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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18
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Abstract
Objectives Growing evidence demonstrates that (a) executive functioning (EF) becomes deleteriously affected by engagement in the emotion regulation strategy known as expressive suppression and (b) EF shows considerable functional and neuroanatomical overlap with motor output. The current study aimed to bridge these two literatures by examining the relationships between naturally occurring expressive suppression and several different aspects of motor output, including action planning, action learning, and motor-control speed and accuracy. In addition, we investigated whether any identified relationships could be explained by EF. Methods Fifty-one healthy young adults completed selected subtests from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System as indices of EF, a self-report measure of expressive suppression, and a computerized motor sequencing task (Push Turn Taptap task; PTT) designed to assess action planning, action learning, and motor control speed and accuracy. Results Hierarchical regressions using each aspect of PTT performance as the dependent variable revealed that higher than usual self-reported expressive suppression on the day of testing (relative to the 2 weeks preceding testing) was associated with longer action-planning latencies. This relationship was fully explained by EF. No other PTT variables related to expressive suppression on the day of testing. Conclusions These results suggest that increased expressive suppression in daily life is associated with slower action planning, an aspect of motor output that is reliant on EF, highlighting the importance of factors that lead to intra-individual fluctuations in EF and motor performance. (JINS, 2016, 22, 671-681).
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Gidley Larson JC, Suchy Y. The contribution of verbalization to action. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2014; 79:590-608. [DOI: 10.1007/s00426-014-0586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gidley Larson JC, Suchy Y. Does language guide behavior in children with autism? J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:2147-61. [PMID: 24710809 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is unknown if children with high-functioning autism (HFA) employ self-directed speech to guide motor sequencing and motor control, or if they can benefit from using self-directed speech when prompted to do so. Participants performed a three-movement sequence across three conditions: Natural Learning, Task-Congruent Verbalization (TCV), and Task-Incongruent Verbalization (TIV). TIV deleteriously impacted performance in the typically-developing group (n = 22), and not the HFA group (n = 21). TCV improved performance in both groups, but to a greater extent in the HFA group. These findings suggest that children with HFA do not initiate self-directed speech spontaneously, but can use language to guide behavior when prompted to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Gidley Larson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 1750 E Fairmount Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA,
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Suchy Y, Euler M, Eastvold A. Exaggerated reaction to novelty as a subclinical consequence of mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2014; 28:972-9. [DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2014.888766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Suchy Y, Lee JN, Marchand WR. Aberrant cortico–subcortical functional connectivity among women with poor motor control: Toward uncovering the substrate of hyperkinetic perseveration. Neuropsychologia 2013; 51:2130-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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