1
|
Porter BM, Roe MA, Mitchell ME, Church JA. A longitudinal examination of executive function abilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and puberty in adolescence. Child Dev 2024; 95:1076-1091. [PMID: 38085108 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Executive function (EF) abilities have been linked to numerous important life outcomes. We longitudinally characterized EF and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) trajectories across adolescence (initial ages 8-19). Utilizing 3 years of annual data in 99 youth collected between years 2016 and 2020 (70.7% White, 40 females), we examined how age, puberty, and ADHD symptom burden related to EF across time. Age and puberty levels interacted to predict EF such that older youth with higher puberty had lower EF. While EF and ADHD significantly predicted each other, cross-lagged panel models revealed that earlier EF predicted later ADHD burden while controlling for baseline ADHD burden, but not vice versa. These findings inform our understanding of the dynamics between EF and mental health in adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blaire M Porter
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mary Abbe Roe
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mackenzie E Mitchell
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica A Church
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brandt A, Bondü R, Elsner B. Profiles of executive functions in middle childhood and prediction of later self-regulation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1379126. [PMID: 38784608 PMCID: PMC11111993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Most research on the development of executive functions (EF) has applied variable-oriented approaches, neglecting the potential inter- and intraindividual interplay of these capacities. In a person-oriented approach, the present study identified varying profiles of performance for three cool EF facets: inhibition, working-memory updating, and cognitive flexibility, as well as two hot EF facets: affective decision-making and delay of gratification, in a community sample of 1,657 children (T1; age: 6-11 years, M = 8.36 years, 52.1% female) via latent profile analysis. The best-fitting model allowed for partial dependence across the three cool EF and included four profiles: all-average (69.4% of the children), low-delay (19.0%), regulated-decision-making (7.0%), and low-inhibition (4.6%). Age, binary sex, socio-economic status, multilingualism, and processing speed were identified as significant characteristics of EF profile membership. Longitudinally, a higher probability of belonging to the low-inhibition profile predicted lower rates of the self-regulatory outcome of inhibitory control 1 year later, while belonging to the regulated-decision-making profile predicted lower rates of the ability to plan and organize 3 years later. These results not only demonstrate the existence of subgroups with different concurrent within-person expressions of EF performance, but also identify related characteristics and longitudinal outcomes of subgroup membership. In turn, these conclusions stress the importance of person-oriented research to inform on differing weaknesses or strengths in EF performance for varying individuals, thereby providing valuable insight for educational and clinical research into the design of effective personalized support or interventions during middle childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Brandt
- Department for Developmental Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rebecca Bondü
- Department for Developmental, Pedagogic and Family Psychology, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Elsner
- Department for Developmental Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sepe-Forrest L, Bailey AJ, Quinn PD, Carver FW, Hetrick WP, O’Donnell BF. Alcohol consumption's effects on working memory: Examining familial confounding. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2024; 38:153-159. [PMID: 37326533 PMCID: PMC10721736 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to provide a more rigorous test of the causal hypothesis that chronic alcohol use impairs working memory performance. METHOD We measured linear associations between a latent factor representing alcohol consumption and accuracy across four working memory tasks before and after accounting for familial confounding using a cotwin control design. Specifically, this study examined accuracy through a latent working memory score, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox List Sorting, NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence, Penn Word Memory, and 2-back tasks. The study included data from 158 dizygotic and 278 monozygotic twins (Mage = 29 ± 3 years). RESULTS In our initial sample-wide analysis, we did not detect any statistically significant associations between alcohol use and working memory accuracy. However, our cotwin control analyses showed that twins with greater levels of alcohol use exhibited worse scores on the latent working memory composite measure (B = -.25, CI [-.43, -.08], p < .01), Picture Sequence (B = -.31, CI [-.55, -.08], p < .01), and List Sorting (B = -.28, CI [-.51, -.06 ], p = .01) tasks than did their cotwins. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with a potentially causal relationship between alcohol use and working memory performance that can be detected only after accounting for confounding familial factors. This highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms that may underlie negative associations between alcohol use and cognitive performance, as well as the potential factors that influence both alcohol behaviors and cognition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Sepe-Forrest
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University
| | - Allen J. Bailey
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University
| | - Patrick D. Quinn
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University
- School of Public Health, Indiana University
| | | | - William P. Hetrick
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University
| | - Brian F. O’Donnell
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freis SM, Alexander JD, Anderson JE, Corley RP, De La Vega AI, Gustavson DE, Vrieze SI, Friedman NP. Associations between executive functions assessed in different contexts in a genetically informative sample. J Exp Psychol Gen 2024; 153:70-85. [PMID: 37668562 PMCID: PMC10843656 DOI: 10.1037/xge0001471] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive functions that help direct goal-related behavior. EFs are usually measured via behavioral tasks assessed in highly controlled laboratory settings under the supervision of a research assistant. Online versions of EF tasks are an increasingly popular alternative to in-lab testing. However, researchers do not have the same control over the testing environment during online EF assessments. To assess the extent to which EFs assessed in-lab and online are related, we used data from the Colorado Online Twin Study (CoTwins; 887 individual twins aged 13.98-19.05) and constructed an Lab Common EF factor and an Online Common EF factor from four EF tasks assessed in-lab and online. The Lab Common and Online Common EF factors were genetically identical (rA = 1.00) but phenotypically separable (r = .77, 95% confidence interval [0.59, 0.94]) indicating that these EF factors have the same genetic underpinnings but may be differentially influenced by environmental factors. We examined phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlations between the EF factors and a general cognitive ability factor (g) assessed in the lab and found similar relationships between Lab Common EF and g and Online Common EF and g. Overall, these results suggest that Common EF factors assessed in different contexts are highly related to each other and similarly related to other cognitive outcomes. These findings indicate that online task-based EF assessments could be a viable strategy for increasing sample sizes in large-scale studies, particularly genetically informed studies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Freis
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | | | | | - Robin P. Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | | | | | - Scott I. Vrieze
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota
| | - Naomi P. Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Younger JW, O’Laughlin KD, Anguera JA, Bunge SA, Ferrer EE, Hoeft F, McCandliss BD, Mishra J, Rosenberg-Lee M, Gazzaley A, Uncapher MR. Better together: novel methods for measuring and modeling development of executive function diversity while accounting for unity. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1195013. [PMID: 37554411 PMCID: PMC10405287 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1195013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Executive functions (EFs) are linked to positive outcomes across the lifespan. Yet, methodological challenges have prevented precise understanding of the developmental trajectory of their organization. METHODS We introduce novel methods to address challenges for both measuring and modeling EFs using an accelerated longitudinal design with a large, diverse sample of students in middle childhood (N = 1,286; ages 8 to 14). We used eight adaptive assessments hypothesized to measure three EFs, working memory, context monitoring, and interference resolution. We deployed adaptive assessments to equate EF challenge across ages and a data-driven, network analytic approach to reveal the evolving diversity of EFs while simultaneously accounting for their unity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Using this methodological paradigm shift brought new precision and clarity to the development of these EFs, showing these eight tasks are organized into three stable components by age 10, but refinement of composition of these components continues through at least age 14.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wise Younger
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kristine D. O’Laughlin
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joaquin A. Anguera
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Silvia A. Bunge
- Department of Psychology & Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Emilio E. Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Bruce D. McCandliss
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Neural Engineering & Translation Labs, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | - Adam Gazzaley
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Melina R. Uncapher
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, Oakland, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hatoum AS. The Etiology of Executive Functioning Is Nature and Nurture. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:e5-e6. [PMID: 37380255 PMCID: PMC11210718 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rea-Sandin G, Clifford S, Doane LD, Davis MC, Grimm KJ, Russell MT, Lemery-Chalfant K. Genetic and environmental links between executive functioning and effortful control in middle childhood. J Exp Psychol Gen 2023; 152:780-793. [PMID: 36095169 PMCID: PMC10008466 DOI: 10.1037/xge0001298] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to understand the components of self-regulation, given its link to nearly every domain of functioning across the life span. This study examined the etiological underpinnings of covariance between measures of executive functioning (EF) and effortful control (EC) in middle childhood. The extent that genetic and environmental factors explain the association between EF and EC is unknown. Families were drawn from a longitudinal twin study (N = 894 twins; Mage = 8.87 years, SD = 1.10; 51.4% female; 46.8% non-Hispanic White, 28% Latino/a/x) and twins completed EF tasks during a home visit (Flanker Task, Continuous Performance Task, and Digit Span Backward) and primary caregivers (93.8% mothers) reported on their twins' EC (Attentional Focusing and Inhibitory Control). Univariate twin models showed additive genetic and nonshared environmental influences on the Flanker Task, Continuous Performance Task, Digit Span Backward, and parent-reported Inhibitory Control, and dominant genetic influences were implicated in parent-reported Attentional Focusing. Bivariate twin models revealed that additive genetic influences explained the small covariance between EF and EC. Executive attention could explain the genetic covariance between measures of EF and EC. This study suggests that EF and EC tap into the same underlying self-regulation construct, with weak correlations between constructs being attributed to measurement, rather than conceptual, differences. Elucidating the overlap between EF and EC can bring researchers closer to understanding how best to foster adaptive self-regulation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Rea-Sandin
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sierra Clifford
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Leah D. Doane
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Mary C. Davis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Kevin J. Grimm
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Madisen T. Russell
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Raffington L, Tanksley PT, Sabhlok A, Vinnik L, Mallard T, King LS, Goosby B, Harden KP, Tucker-Drob EM. Socially Stratified Epigenetic Profiles Are Associated With Cognitive Functioning in Children and Adolescents. Psychol Sci 2023; 34:170-185. [PMID: 36459657 PMCID: PMC10068508 DOI: 10.1177/09567976221122760] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Children's cognitive functioning and educational performance are socially stratified. Social inequality, including classism and racism, may operate partly via epigenetic mechanisms that modulate neurocognitive development. Following preregistered analyses of data from 1,183 participants, ages 8 to 19 years, from the Texas Twin Project, we found that children growing up in more socioeconomically disadvantaged families and neighborhoods and children from marginalized racial/ethnic groups exhibit DNA methylation profiles that, in previous studies of adults, were indicative of higher chronic inflammation, lower cognitive functioning, and a faster pace of biological aging. Furthermore, children's salivary DNA methylation profiles were associated with their performance on in-laboratory tests of cognitive and academic skills, including processing speed, general executive function, perceptual reasoning, verbal comprehension, reading, and math. Given that the DNA methylation measures that we examined were originally developed in adults, our results suggest that children show molecular signatures that reflect the early life social determinants of lifelong disparities in health and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Raffington
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Population Research Center, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Max Planck Research Group Biosocial –
Biology, Social Disparities, and Development; Max Planck Institute for Human
Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter T. Tanksley
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Population Research Center, The
University of Texas at Austin
| | - Aditi Sabhlok
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
| | - Liza Vinnik
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
| | - Travis Mallard
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
| | - Lucy S. King
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine
| | - Bridget Goosby
- Population Research Center, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Sociology, The University
of Texas at Austin
| | - K. Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Population Research Center, The
University of Texas at Austin
| | - Elliot M. Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, The
University of Texas at Austin
- Population Research Center, The
University of Texas at Austin
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maes HHM, Lapato DM, Schmitt JE, Luciana M, Banich MT, Bjork JM, Hewitt JK, Madden PA, Heath AC, Barch DM, Thompson WK, Iacono WG, Neale MC. Genetic and Environmental Variation in Continuous Phenotypes in the ABCD Study®. Behav Genet 2023; 53:1-24. [PMID: 36357558 PMCID: PMC9823057 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-022-10123-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Twin studies yield valuable insights into the sources of variation, covariation and causation in human traits. The ABCD Study® (abcdstudy.org) was designed to take advantage of four universities known for their twin research, neuroimaging, population-based sampling, and expertise in genetic epidemiology so that representative twin studies could be performed. In this paper we use the twin data to: (i) provide initial estimates of heritability for the wide range of phenotypes assessed in the ABCD Study using a consistent direct variance estimation approach, assuring that both data and methodology are sound; and (ii) provide an online resource for researchers that can serve as a reference point for future behavior genetic studies of this publicly available dataset. Data were analyzed from 772 pairs of twins aged 9-10 years at study inception, with zygosity determined using genotypic data, recruited and assessed at four twin hub sites. The online tool provides twin correlations and both standardized and unstandardized estimates of additive genetic, and environmental variation for 14,500 continuously distributed phenotypic features, including: structural and functional neuroimaging, neurocognition, personality, psychopathology, substance use propensity, physical, and environmental trait variables. The estimates were obtained using an unconstrained variance approach, so they can be incorporated directly into meta-analyses without upwardly biasing aggregate estimates. The results indicated broad consistency with prior literature where available and provided novel estimates for phenotypes without prior twin studies or those assessed at different ages. Effects of site, self-identified race/ethnicity, age and sex were statistically controlled. Results from genetic modeling of all 53,172 continuous variables, including 38,672 functional MRI variables, will be accessible via the user-friendly open-access web interface we have established, and will be updated as new data are released from the ABCD Study. This paper provides an overview of the initial results from the twin study embedded within the ABCD Study, an introduction to the primary research domains in the ABCD study and twin methodology, and an evaluation of the initial findings with a focus on data quality and suitability for future behavior genetic studies using the ABCD dataset. The broad introductory material is provided in recognition of the multidisciplinary appeal of the ABCD Study. While this paper focuses on univariate analyses, we emphasize the opportunities for multivariate, developmental and causal analyses, as well as those evaluating heterogeneity by key moderators such as sex, demographic factors and genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermine H. M. Maes
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980033, Richmond, VA 23298-0033 USA ,grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA ,grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Dana M. Lapato
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980033, Richmond, VA 23298-0033 USA
| | - J. Eric Schmitt
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Monica Luciana
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Marie T. Banich
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA ,grid.266190.a0000000096214564Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - James M. Bjork
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - John K. Hewitt
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA ,grid.266190.a0000000096214564Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Pamela A. Madden
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO USA
| | - Andrew C. Heath
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO USA
| | - Deanna M. Barch
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO USA
| | - Wes K. Thompson
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Biostatistics and Department of Radiology, Population Neuroscience and Genetics Lab, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - William G. Iacono
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Michael C. Neale
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980033, Richmond, VA 23298-0033 USA ,grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hatoum AS, Morrison CL, Mitchell EC, Lam M, Benca-Bachman CE, Reineberg AE, Palmer RHC, Evans LM, Keller MC, Friedman NP. Genome-wide Association Study Shows That Executive Functioning Is Influenced by GABAergic Processes and Is a Neurocognitive Genetic Correlate of Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:59-70. [PMID: 36150907 PMCID: PMC9722603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in executive functions (EFs), cognitive processes that control goal-directed behaviors, are associated with psychopathology and neurologic disorders. Little is known about the molecular bases of individual differences in EFs. Prior candidate gene studies have been underpowered in their search for dopaminergic processes involved in cognitive functioning, and existing genome-wide association studies of EFs used small sample sizes and/or focused on individual tasks that are imprecise measures of EFs. METHODS We conducted a genome-wide association study of a common EF (cEF) factor score based on multiple tasks in the UK Biobank (n = 427,037 individuals of European descent). RESULTS We found 129 independent genome-wide significant lead variants in 112 distinct loci. cEF was associated with fast synaptic transmission processes (synaptic, potassium channel, and GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid] pathways) in gene-based analyses. cEF was genetically correlated with measures of intelligence (IQ) and cognitive processing speed, but cEF and IQ showed differential genetic associations with psychiatric disorders and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that cEF is a genetically distinct cognitive construct that is particularly relevant to understanding the genetic variance in psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Hatoum
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington St. Louis Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Claire L Morrison
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado.
| | - Evann C Mitchell
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Max Lam
- Division of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Chelsie E Benca-Bachman
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Andrew E Reineberg
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Rohan H C Palmer
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Luke M Evans
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Matthew C Keller
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Naomi P Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aizza A, Porter BM, Church JA. Youth pre-pandemic executive function relates to year one COVID-19 difficulties. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1033282. [PMID: 37151319 PMCID: PMC10156991 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1033282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a series of stressors that could relate to psychological difficulties in children and adolescents. Executive functioning (EF) supports goal achievement and is associated with life success, and better outcomes following early life adversity. EF is also strongly related to processing speed, another predictor of life outcomes. Methods This longitudinal study examined 149 youths' pre-pandemic EF and processing speed abilities as predictors of self-reported emotional, cognitive, and social experiences during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. EF and processing speed were measured with a total of 11 behavioral tasks. The COVID-era data was collected during two timepoints, during early (May-July 2020) and mid- (January-March of 2021) pandemic. Results Better pre-pandemic EF skills and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-COVID-19 pandemic emotional and cognitive difficulties. On the other hand, better switching (a subcomponent of EF) and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-pandemic social interactions. EF and processing speed abilities did not relate to the well-being reports from the initial months of the pandemic. Our EF - but not processing speed - results were largely maintained when controlling for pre-pandemic mental health burden, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender. Discussion Better cognitive abilities may have contributed to worse mid-pandemic functioning by supporting the meta-cognition needed for attending to the chaotic and ever-changing pandemic news and advice, leading to higher stress-induced worry and rumination. Our study highlights a potential downside of higher EF - often largely viewed as a protective factor - in youth.
Collapse
|
12
|
Thériault-Couture F, Matte-Gagné C, Dallaire S, Brendgen M, Vitaro F, Tremblay RE, Séguin JR, Dionne G, Boivin M. Child Cognitive Flexibility and Maternal Control: A First Step toward Untangling Genetic and Environmental Contributions. J Genet Psychol 2023; 184:55-69. [PMID: 36102122 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2022.2121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Executive functions (EF) play an essential role in many spheres of child development. Therefore, it is crucial to get a better understanding of their etiology. Using a genetic design that involved 934 twins (400 monozygotic), this study examined the etiology of cognitive flexibility, a component of EF, at 5 years of age and its phenotypic and etiological associations with maternal control. Cognitive flexibility was measured in a laboratory setting at 5 years of age using a well-known EF-task, i.e. the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS). Maternal control was measured using a self-report questionnaire. The univariate genetic model demonstrated that environmental factors mainly explained individual differences in preschoolers' performance on the DCCS task. A bivariate genetic model demonstrated that non-shared environmental mechanisms mainly explained the association (r = .-13) between maternal control and children's performance on the DCCS task. This study represents a preliminary step toward a better understanding of the genetic and environmental contributions underlying the relation between parenting behaviors and children's EF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel Dallaire
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Queebec, Canada
| | - Richard E Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean R Séguin
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ginette Dionne
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Q, Wang L, Dong S, Cao L, Wu C, Liu S. Exploring proximal mechanisms behind intergenerational association between maternal childhood abuse and Chinese preschool children's executive function. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105931. [PMID: 36302286 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal personal history of childhood abuse has been found to predict child social-emotional problems; however, little is known about the intergenerational associations between maternal childhood abuse and child cognitive outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aims at examining the intergenerational associations of maternal childhood emotional abuse and physical abuse with child executive functions among Chinese families with preschoolers, and exploring how these associations are mediated by maternal perspective-taking skills and mother-child conflict. METHODS Participants were 309 preschoolers (152 boys) aged 2-6 years and their mothers. Mothers reported on their childhood abuse histories, perspective taking, and mother-child conflict at baseline (T1). Five months later (T2), child executive functions including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility were assessed using five computerized tasks. RESULTS After controlling for child gender and age, associations with child executive functions were found for maternal childhood emotional abuse, but not physical abuse. Specifically, severer childhood emotional abuse directly predicted lower levels of child cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, chained mediation paths were found from maternal childhood emotional abuse to lower levels of child working memory and inhibitory control through worse maternal perspective taking skills and then more mother-child conflicts. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence for less optimal executive functions among preschoolers with emotionally abused mothers. Developing strategies to resolve the long-lasting impacts of maternal childhood emotional abuse may be important for reducing the risks of being unable to fully achieve the cognitive potentials of the next generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Linan Wang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Shuyang Dong
- Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lizhi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chunxia Wu
- Department of Education, Lyuliang University, Lvliang, Shanxi 033000, China
| | - Siman Liu
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Segura IA, Panjeh S, Cogo-Moreira H, Nouri A, Miranda MC, Esmaeili F, Seyedi H, Pompéia S. Fractionation of executive functions in adolescents from Iran: invariance across age and socioeconomic status. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractExecutive functions (EFs) are cognitive skills that regulate thoughts and behavior. The seminal EF unity and diversity theoretical framework proposes the existence of three correlated EF latent domains (inhibition, updating, and switching) that become distinguishable from a certain moment during adolescence, but it is unclear how age and socioeconomic status (SES) affect these abilities. Here, we assessed 407 9-15-year-old Iranians of variable SES using an open-access battery of executive function tests that includes two tasks of each EF domain and allows for sociocultural adaptations regarding language and stimuli. Various EF model configurations proposed in the literature were tested (one, two and three EF latent factor, nested and bifactor-S-1 models) using confirmatory factor analyses. In addition, to explore the unbiased effects of age and SES, we performed invariance testing (across age and SES) using multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model to the best fitting model solution. The three-correlated EF factor model had the best fit and was mostly invariant across age and SES, with all three EF latent traits improving with age, while SES exerted only minimal positive effects on shifting and updating. We concluded that the three separable EF domains, found in adults and adolescents of other ages from different populations, can already be detected from the beginning of adolescence when culturally and psychometrically appropriate EF tasks are used. Additionally, these abilities continue to improve with age and are little affected by SES, suggesting that the unity and diversity framework is useful to study the cross-country generality of EF development.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dryer A, Zhang X, England-Mason G, Atkinson L, Gonzalez A. Maternal sensitivity moderates the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and child executive function. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105933. [PMID: 36283274 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiences of childhood maltreatment are associated with a variety of negative outcomes throughout individuals' lives as well as disadvantaged cognitive and socioemotional development among their offspring. The mechanisms through which some children show resilience against the intergenerational transmission of risk, however, are less well understood. OBJECTIVE The current study focuses on a proximal parental factor that plays a central role in children's early cognitive development - maternal sensitivity - and examines whether it moderates the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and child executive function (EF). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data were collected from a community sample of 139 mothers and their infants (51 % female) recruited from urban areas in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Maternal maltreatment history was assessed via self-report at child age 3 months. Maternal sensitivity was assessed observationally at child age 8 months, and child executive function was assessed using performance-based measures at child age 3 years. Hypotheses were tested through multiple regression models. RESULTS In the current sample, maternal maltreatment history was not associated with child EF on average. However, results were consistent with a moderation model, indicating that maternal maltreatment history was associated with lower levels of child EF only when mothers were relatively insensitive. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate the importance of considering sensitive parenting practices as a protective factor for children's cognitive development in the context of more distal risk factors such as mothers' history of childhood maltreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Dryer
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Xutong Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences and the Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 3L8, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences and the Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 3L8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gustavson DE, Archer DB, Elman JA, Puckett OK, Fennema-Notestine C, Panizzon MS, Shashikumar N, Hohman TJ, Jefferson AL, Eyler LT, McEvoy LK, Lyons MJ, Franz CE, Kremen WS. Associations among executive function Abilities, free Water, and white matter microstructure in early old age. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 37:103279. [PMID: 36493704 PMCID: PMC9731853 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have investigated white matter microstructure in relation to late-life cognitive impairments, with fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) measures thought to capture demyelination and axonal degradation. However, new post-processing methods allow isolation of free water (FW), which captures extracellular fluid contributions such as atrophy and neuroinflammation, from tissue components. FW also appears to be highly relevant to late-life cognitive impairment. Here, we evaluated whether executive functions are associated with FW, and FA and MD corrected for FW (FAFWcorr and MDFWcorr). METHOD We examined 489 non-demented men in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA) at mean age 68. Two latent factors capturing 'common executive function' and 'working-memory specific' processes were estimated based on 6 tasks. Analyses focused on 11 cortical white matter tracts across three metrics: FW, FAFWcorr, and MDFWcorr. RESULTS Better 'common executive function' was associated with lower FW across 9 of the 11 tracts. There were no significant associations with intracellular metrics after false discovery rate correction. Effects also appeared driven by individuals with MCI (13.7% of the sample). Working memory-specific tasks showed some associations with FAFWcorr, including the triangularis portion of the inferior frontal gyrus. There was no evidence that cognitive reserve (i.e., general cognitive ability assessed in early adulthood) moderated these associations between executive function and FW or FA. DISCUSSION Executive function abilities in early old age are associated primarily with extracellular fluid (FW) as opposed to white matter (FAFWcorr or MDFWcorr). Moderation analyses suggested cognitive reserve does not play a strong role in these associations, at least in this sample of non-demented men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Gustavson
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Derek B Archer
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeremy A Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olivia K Puckett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christine Fennema-Notestine
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Niranjana Shashikumar
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angela L Jefferson
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa T Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Linda K McEvoy
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carol E Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - William S Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shields AN, Malanchini M, Vinnik L, Tucker-Drob EM, Harden KP, Tackett JL. Genetic variance in conscientiousness relates to youth psychopathology beyond executive functions. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2022; 131:830-846. [PMID: 36326625 PMCID: PMC10782840 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Because deficits in self-regulation (SR) are core features of many diverse psychological disorders, SR may constitute one of many dimensions that underlie shared variance across diagnostic boundaries (e.g., the p factor, a dimension reflecting shared variance across multiple psychological disorders). SR definitions encompass constructs mapping onto different theoretical traditions and different measurement approaches, however. Two SR operationalizations, executive functioning and conscientiousness, are often used interchangeably despite their low empirical associations-a "jingle" fallacy that pervades much of the research on SR-psychopathology relationships. In a population-based sample of 1,219 twins and multiples from the Texas Twin Project (Mage = 10.60, SDage = 1.76), with a comprehensive battery of measures, we aimed to clarify how these often-muddled aspects of SR relate to individual differences in psychopathology, and whether links between them are accounted for by overlapping genetic and environmental factors. The p factor and an Attention Problems-specific factor were associated with lower executive functioning and conscientiousness. Executive functioning shared a small amount of genetic variance with p above and beyond conscientiousness, whereas conscientiousness shared substantial genetic variance with p independently of genetic variance accounted for by executive functioning. Conversely, the Attention Problems-specific factor was strongly genetically associated with executive functioning independently of genetic variance accounted for by conscientiousness. Results support the notion that SR and psychopathology, broadly conceived, may exist on overlapping spectra, but this overlap varies across conceptualizations of SR and the level of specificity at which psychopathology is assessed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- Department of Psychology, Queen Mary University of London
- Texas Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Liza Vinnik
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Elliot M. Tucker-Drob
- Texas Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
| | - K. Paige Harden
- Texas Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Evolving the blank slate. Behav Brain Sci 2022; 45:e155. [PMID: 36098399 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x21001680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We support Uchiyama et al. in the value of genetics, sample diversification, and context measurement. Against the example of vitamins, we highlight the intransigence of many phenotypes. We caution that while culture can mask genetic differences, the dependence of behaviour on genetics is reinvented and unmasked by novel challenges across generations.
Collapse
|
19
|
Integrating cultural evolution and behavioral genetics. Behav Brain Sci 2022; 45:e182. [PMID: 36098400 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x22000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The 29 commentaries amplified our key arguments; offered extensions, implications, and applications of the framework; and pushed back and clarified. To help forge the path forward for cultural evolutionary behavioral genetics, we (1) focus on conceptual disagreements and misconceptions about the concepts of heritability and culture; (2) further discuss points raised about the intertwined relationship between culture and genes; and (3) address extensions to the proposed framework, particularly as it relates to cultural clusters, development, and power. These commentaries, and the deep engagement they represent, reinforce the importance of integrating cultural evolution and behavioral genetics.
Collapse
|
20
|
Dutra NB, Chen L, Anum A, Burger O, Davis HE, Dzokoto VA, Fong FTK, Ghelardi S, Mendez K, Messer EJE, Newhouse M, Nielsen MG, Ramos K, Rawlings B, dos Santos RAC, Silveira LGS, Tucker-Drob EM, Legare CH. Examining relations between performance on non-verbal executive function and verbal self-regulation tasks in demographically-diverse populations. Dev Sci 2022; 25:e13228. [PMID: 35025126 PMCID: PMC10782846 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Self-regulation is a widely studied construct, generally assumed to be cognitively supported by executive functions (EFs). There is a lack of clarity and consensus over the roles of specific components of EFs in self-regulation. The current study examines the relations between performance on (a) a self-regulation task (Heads, Toes, Knees Shoulders Task) and (b) two EF tasks (Knox Cube and Beads Tasks) that measure different components of updating: working memory and short-term memory, respectively. We compared 107 8- to 13-year-old children (64 females) across demographically-diverse populations in four low and middle-income countries, including: Tanna, Vanuatu; Keningau, Malaysia; Saltpond, Ghana; and Natal, Brazil. The communities we studied vary in market integration/urbanicity as well as level of access, structure, and quality of schooling. We found that performance on the visuospatial working memory task (Knox Cube) and the visuospatial short-term memory task (Beads) are each independently associated with performance on the self-regulation task, even when controlling for schooling and location effects. These effects were robust across demographically-diverse populations of children in low-and middle-income countries. We conclude that this study found evidence supporting visuospatial working memory and visuospatial short-term memory as distinct cognitive processes which each support the development of self-regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália B. Dutra
- Laboratório de Evolução do Comportamento Humano, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Núcleo de Teoria e Pesquisa do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Lydia Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Adote Anum
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Oskar Burger
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Helen E. Davis
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vivian A. Dzokoto
- Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Frankie T. K. Fong
- Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sabrina Ghelardi
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly Mendez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Emily J. E. Messer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Morgan Newhouse
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mark G. Nielsen
- Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Humanities, The University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karlos Ramos
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Bruce Rawlings
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Renan A. C. dos Santos
- Laboratório de Evolução do Comportamento Humano, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lara G. S. Silveira
- Laboratório de Evolução do Comportamento Humano, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Cristine H. Legare
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tomlinson RC, Hyde LW, Weigard AS, Klump KL, Burt SA. The role of parenting in the intergenerational transmission of executive functioning: A genetically informed approach. Dev Psychopathol 2022; 34:1-13. [PMID: 35957575 PMCID: PMC9922338 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in executive functioning both run in families and serve as a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology. The present study employed twin modeling to examine parenting as an environmental pathway underlying the intergenerational transmission of executive functioning in an at-risk community sample of children and adolescents (N = 354 pairs, 167 monozygotic). Using structural equation modeling of multi-informant reports of parenting and a multi-method measure of child executive functioning, we found that better parent executive functioning related to less harsh, warmer parenting, which in turn related to better child executive functioning. Second, we assessed the etiology of executive functioning via the nuclear twin family model, finding large non-shared environmental effects (E = .69) and low-to-moderate heritability (A = .22). We did not find evidence of shared environmental effects or passive genotype-environment correlation. Third, a bivariate twin model revealed significant shared environmental overlap between both warm and harsh parenting and child executive functioning (which may indicate either passive genotype-environment correlation or environmental mediation), and non-shared environmental overlap between only harsh parenting and child executive functioning (indicating an effect of harsh parenting separable from genetic confounds). In summary, genetics contribute to the intergenerational transmission of executive functioning, with environmental mechanisms, including harsh parenting, also making unique contributions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke W. Hyde
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Kelly L. Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S. Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Freis SM, Morrison CL, Smolker HR, Banich MT, Kaiser RH, Hewitt JK, Friedman NP. Executive Functions and Impulsivity as Transdiagnostic Correlates of Psychopathology in Childhood: A Behavioral Genetic Analysis. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:863235. [PMID: 35431847 PMCID: PMC9012075 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.863235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) and impulsivity are dimensions of self-regulation that are both related to psychopathology. However, self-report measures of impulsivity and laboratory EF tasks typically display small correlations, and existing research indicates that impulsivity and EFs may tap separate aspects of self-regulation that independently statistically predict psychopathology in adulthood. However, relationships between EFs, impulsivity, and psychopathology may be different in childhood compared to adulthood. Here, we examine whether these patterns hold in the baseline assessment of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) sample, a national sample of over 11,000 children (including 749 twin pairs) ages 9-10 years. We examine the phenotypic and genetic relationships among latent variables for different components of EFs and multiple facets of impulsivity. Additionally, we assess how EFs and impulsivity relate to composite measures and latent variables of psychopathology derived from parent report. EFs were weakly correlated with impulsivity, and the strength varied by impulsivity facet, emphasizing their separability. We did not identify significant genetic and environmental correlations between EFs and impulsivity. Moreover, controlling for their small relationships with each other, both EFs and some facets of impulsivity statistically predicted an Externalizing factor, attention problems, and social problems, and twin analyses suggested these relationships were genetic in origin. These findings indicate that EFs and impulsivity represent phenotypically and genetically separable aspects of self-regulation that are both transdiagnostic correlates of psychopathology in childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Freis
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Claire L. Morrison
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Harry R. Smolker
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Marie T. Banich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Roselinde H. Kaiser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Renee Crown Wellness Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - John K. Hewitt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Naomi P. Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sabhlok A, Malanchini M, Engelhardt LE, Madole J, Tucker-Drob EM, Paige Harden K. The relationship between executive function, processing speed, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in middle childhood. Dev Sci 2022; 25:e13168. [PMID: 34403545 PMCID: PMC8847244 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder that is highly impairing. Early, accurate diagnosis maximizes long-term positive outcomes for youth with ADHD. Tests of executive functioning (EF) are potential tools for screening and differential diagnosis of ADHD subtypes. However, previous research has been inconsistent regarding the specificity and magnitude of EF deficits across ADHD subtypes. Here, we advance knowledge of the EF-ADHD relationship by using: (1) dimensional latent factor models of ADHD that captures the heterogeneity of expression, and (2) a comprehensive, reliable battery of EF tasks and modeling relationships with a general factor of EF ability. We tested 1548 children and adolescents (ages 7-15 years) from the Texas Twin Project, a population-based cohort with a diverse socioeconomic and ethnic composition. We show that EF deficits were specific to the inattention domain of ADHD. Moreover, we found that the association between EF task performance and inattention was stable across sociodemographic groups. Our results demonstrate that failures of executive control are selectively manifested as covert inattentive symptoms, such as trouble with organization, forgetfulness, and distractedness, rather than overt symptoms, such as inappropriate talkativeness and interruption. Future research, utilizing a bifactor characterization of ADHD in clinical samples, is needed to further refine understanding of the nature of cognitive deficits in ADHD across the full range of symptom variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sabhlok
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin,Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London
| | | | - James Madole
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Elliot M. Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin,Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kathryn Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin,Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kraft P, Kraft B, Hagen T, Espeseth T. Subjective Socioeconomic Status, Cognitive Abilities, and Personal Control: Associations With Health Behaviours. Front Psychol 2022; 12:784758. [PMID: 35153907 PMCID: PMC8831894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.784758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine subjective and objective socioeconomic status (SSES and OSES, respectively) as predictors, cognitive abilities as confounders, and personal control perceptions as mediators of health behaviours.DesignA cross-sectional study including 197 participants aged 30–50 years, recruited from the crowd-working platform, Prolific.Main Outcome MeasureThe Good Health Practices Scale, a 16-item inventory of health behaviours.ResultsSSES was the most important predictor of health behaviours (beta = 0.19, p < 0.01). Among the OSES indicators, education (beta = 0.16, p < 0.05), but not income, predicted health behaviours. Intelligence (r = −0.16, p < 0.05) and memory (r = −0.22, p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with health-promoting behaviours, and the effect of memory was upheld in the multivariate model (beta = −0.17, p < 0.05). Personal control perceptions (mastery and constraints) did not act as mediators.ConclusionSSES predicted health behaviours beyond OSES. The effect of socioeconomic indicators was not confounded by cognitive abilities. Surprisingly, cognitive abilities were negatively associated with health-promoting behaviours. Future research should emphasise SSES as a predictor of health behaviours. Delineating the psychological mechanisms linking SSES with health behaviours would be a valuable contribution toward improved understanding of socioeconomic disparities in health behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pål Kraft
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Pål Kraft,
| | - Brage Kraft
- Division of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Hagen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Espeseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Freis SM, Morrison CL, Lessem JM, Hewitt JK, Friedman NP. Genetic and environmental influences on executive functions and intelligence in middle childhood. Dev Sci 2022; 25:e13150. [PMID: 34288270 PMCID: PMC8639807 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) and intelligence (IQ) are phenotypically correlated. In twin studies, latent variables for EFs and IQ display moderate to high heritability estimates; however, they show variable genetic correlations in twin studies spanning childhood to middle age. We analyzed data from over 11,000 children (9- to 10-year-olds, including 749 twin pairs) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to examine the phenotypic and genetic relations between EFs and IQ in childhood. We identified two EF factors-Common EF and Updating-Specific-which were both related to IQ (rs = 0.64-0.81). Common EF and IQ were heritable (53%-67%), and their genetic correlation (rG = 0.86) was not significantly different than 1. These results suggest that EFs and IQ are phenotypically but not genetically separable in middle childhood, meaning that this phenotypic separability may be influenced by environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Freis
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Claire L Morrison
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lessem
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - John K Hewitt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Naomi P Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Friedman NP, Robbins TW. The role of prefrontal cortex in cognitive control and executive function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:72-89. [PMID: 34408280 PMCID: PMC8617292 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 166.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Concepts of cognitive control (CC) and executive function (EF) are defined in terms of their relationships with goal-directed behavior versus habits and controlled versus automatic processing, and related to the functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and related regions and networks. A psychometric approach shows unity and diversity in CC constructs, with 3 components in the most commonly studied constructs: general or common CC and components specific to mental set shifting and working memory updating. These constructs are considered against the cellular and systems neurobiology of PFC and what is known of its functional neuroanatomical or network organization based on lesioning, neurochemical, and neuroimaging approaches across species. CC is also considered in the context of motivation, as "cool" and "hot" forms. Its Common CC component is shown to be distinct from general intelligence (g) and closely related to response inhibition. Impairments in CC are considered as possible causes of psychiatric symptoms and consequences of disorders. The relationships of CC with the general factor of psychopathology (p) and dimensional constructs such as impulsivity in large scale developmental and adult populations are considered, as well as implications for genetic studies and RDoC approaches to psychiatric classification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi P Friedman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience and Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hasegawa A, Somatori K, Nishimura H, Hattori Y, Kunisato Y. Depression, Rumination, and Impulsive Action: A Latent Variable Approach to Behavioral Impulsivity. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 155:717-737. [PMID: 34424143 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2021.1956871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research on the relationship between rumination and behavioral impulsivity has been limited because impulsivity was assessed by using individual tasks. This study examined the concurrent associations of a latent variable named impulsive action with rumination and depression to alleviate the task-impurity problem and the low reliability of laboratory tasks assessing impulsivity. This study also examined whether stressors mediated the association between impulsive action and rumination. University students in Japan (N = 176) conducted three laboratory tasks assessing impulsive action: the Go/No-Go Task, the Stop Signal Task, and the Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition. They also completed self-report measures of rumination, stressors, and depression. Results indicated that the latent variable named impulsive action constructed from the performance in these three tasks was positively associated with rumination. Moreover, stressors mediated this association. Also, impulsive action was positively associated with depression via the increase in stressors and rumination. These findings and those of previous studies examining associations between rumination and self-reported impulsivity suggest that impulsivity might be a determinant of rumination.
Collapse
|
28
|
Fernández García L, Merchán A, Phillips-Silver J, Daza González MT. Neuropsychological Development of Cool and Hot Executive Functions Between 6 and 12 Years of Age: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:687337. [PMID: 34456803 PMCID: PMC8385409 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on the development of executive functions (EFs) in middle childhood have traditionally focused on cognitive, or "cool," EFs: working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. However, knowledge of the development of socio-emotional, or "hot," EFs, such as delay of gratification, decision-making and theory of mind, is more limited. The main aims of this systematic review were to characterize the typical development of both the primary cool and hot EFs in middle childhood, and to identify the main tools for evaluating EFs as a whole. We conducted a systematic search on studies of cognitive and socio-emotional EFs published in the last 5 years in Pubmed, PsycInfo, and WoS databases. Of 44 studies selected, we found a variety of tasks measuring cool EFs, while measures of hot EFs were limited. Nevertheless, the available data suggest that cool and hot components follow distinct, but related, developmental trajectories during middle childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández García
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Center for Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation (CERNEP), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana Merchán
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Jessica Phillips-Silver
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - María Teresa Daza González
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Center for Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation (CERNEP), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Do Breastfeeding History and Diet Quality Predict Inhibitory Control at Preschool Age? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082752. [PMID: 34444912 PMCID: PMC8398217 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control is the ability to control impulsive behavior. It is associated with a range of mental and physical health outcomes, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance dependence. Breastfeeding and healthy dietary patterns have been associated with better executive functions, of which inhibitory control is part. Additionally, breastfeeding has been associated with healthy dietary patterns. Following our preregistration in the Open Science Framework, we investigated the associations between breastfeeding history and inhibitory control at preschool age, with habitual diet quality as a potential mediating factor. A total of 72 families from a longitudinal study participated at child age 3. Breastfeeding questionnaires were administered at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, and at 12 and 36 months. Six inhibitory control tasks were performed during a home visit, and questionnaires were filled in by both parents. Diet quality at age 3 was assessed via three unannounced 24-h recalls. Structural equation modelling was performed in R. This study did not provide evidence that breastfeeding history is associated with inhibitory control in 3-year-old children. Furthermore, diet quality at age 3 did not mediate the link between breastfeeding history and inhibitory control. Previous studies have investigated broader aspects of inhibitory control, such as executive functions, and used different methods to assess nutritional intake, which might explain our differential findings. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on associations between nutrition and behavior. Future replications with larger and more diverse preschool samples are recommended.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zheng A, Church JA. A Developmental Eye Tracking Investigation of Cued Task Switching Performance. Child Dev 2021; 92:1652-1672. [PMID: 33417266 PMCID: PMC8451801 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Children perform worse than adults on tests of cognitive flexibility, which is a component of executive function. To assess what aspects of a cognitive flexibility task (cued switching) children have difficulty with, investigators tested where eye gaze diverged over age. Eye-tracking was used as a proxy for attention during the preparatory period of each trial in 48 children ages 8-16 years and 51 adults ages 18-27 years. Children fixated more often and longer on the cued rule, and made more saccades between rule and response options. Behavioral performance correlated with gaze location and saccades. Mid-adolescents were similar to adults, supporting the slow maturation of cognitive flexibility. Lower preparatory control and associated lower cognitive flexibility task performance in development may particularly relate to rule processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie Zheng
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kraft P, Kraft B. Explaining socioeconomic disparities in health behaviours: A review of biopsychological pathways involving stress and inflammation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:689-708. [PMID: 34048858 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to explore how individuals' position in a socioeconomic hierarchy is related to health behaviours that are related to socioeconomic disparities in health. We identified research which shows that: (a) low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with living in harsh environments, (b) harsh environments are related to increased levels of stress and inflammation, (c) stress and inflammation impact neural systems involved in self-control by sensitising the impulsive system and desensitising the reflective system, (d) the effects are inflated valuations of small immediate rewards and deflated valuations of larger delayed rewards, (e) these effects are observed as increased delay discounting, and (f) delay discounting is positively associated with practicing more unhealthy behaviours. The results are discussed within an adaptive evolutionary framework which lays out how the stress response system, and its interaction with the immune system and brain systems for decision-making and behaviours, provides the biopsychological mechanisms and regulatory shifts that make widespread conditional adaptability possible. Consequences for policy work, interventions, and future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pål Kraft
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, Bjørknes University College, Lovisenberggata 13, 0456, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Brage Kraft
- Division of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, P. O. Box 23 Vinderen, 0319, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cioffi CC, Griffin AM, Natsuaki MN, Shaw DS, Reiss D, Ganiban JM, Neiderhiser JM, Leve LD. The role of negative emotionality in the development of child executive function and language abilities from toddlerhood to first grade: An adoption study. Dev Psychol 2021; 57:347-360. [PMID: 33570984 PMCID: PMC7970442 DOI: 10.1037/dev0000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of negative emotionality in the development of executive functioning (EF) and language skills can help identify developmental windows that may provide promising opportunities for intervention. In addition, because EF and language skills are, in part, genetically influenced, intergenerational transmission patterns are important to consider. The prospective parent-offspring adoption design used in this study provides a unique opportunity to examine the intergenerational transmission of EF and language skills. Participants were 561 children adopted around the time of birth. Accounting for birth mother EF and language contributions, we examined the role of child negative emotionality in toddlerhood (age 9 to 27 months) and childhood (age 4.5 to 7 years) on child EF and language skills in first grade (age 7 years). There was continuity in EF from age 27 months to 7 years, and in language ability from age 27 months to 7 years, with no cross-lagged effects between child EF and language ability. Negative emotionality at age 9 months predicted lower EF and lower language abilities at age 7 years, and growth in negative emotionality from age 4.5 to 7 years predicted lower child EF at age 7 years. Overall, findings suggested that lower negative emotionality at age 9 months was associated with higher toddler and child EF and language skills and that preventing growth in negative emotionality from age 4.5 to 7 years may lead to improvements in child EF. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Behavior genetics studies how genetic differences among people contribute to differences in their psychology and behavior. Here, I describe how the conclusions and methods of behavior genetics have evolved in the postgenomic era in which the human genome can be directly measured. First, I revisit the first law of behavioral genetics stating that everything is heritable, and I describe results from large-scale meta-analyses of twin data and new methods for estimating heritability using measured DNA. Second, I describe new methods in statistical genetics, including genome-wide association studies and polygenic score analyses. Third, I describe the next generation of work on gene × environment interaction, with a particular focus on how genetic influences vary across sociopolitical contexts and exogenous environments. Genomic technology has ushered in a golden age of new tools to address enduring questions about how genes and environments combine to create unique human lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Malanchini M, Rimfeld K, Shakeshaft NG, McMillan A, Schofield KL, Rodic M, Rossi V, Kovas Y, Dale PS, Tucker-Drob EM, Plomin R. Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2020; 5:9. [PMID: 32655883 PMCID: PMC7331750 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-020-0067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Performance in everyday spatial orientation tasks (e.g., map reading and navigation) has been considered functionally separate from performance on more abstract object-based spatial abilities (e.g., mental rotation and visualization). However, few studies have examined the link between spatial orientation and object-based spatial skills, and even fewer have done so including a wide range of spatial tests. To examine this issue and more generally to test the structure of spatial ability, we used a novel gamified battery to assess six tests of spatial orientation in a virtual environment and examined their association with ten object-based spatial tests, as well as their links to general cognitive ability (g). We further estimated the role of genetic and environmental factors in underlying variation and covariation in these spatial tests. Participants (N = 2660; aged 19-22) were part of the Twins Early Development Study. The six tests of spatial orientation clustered into a single 'Navigation' factor that was 64% heritable. Examining the structure of spatial ability across all 16 tests, three, substantially correlated, factors emerged: Navigation, Object Manipulation, and Visualization. These, in turn, loaded strongly onto a general factor of Spatial Ability, which was highly heritable (84%). A large portion (45%) of this high heritability was independent of g. The results point towards the existence of a common genetic network that supports all spatial abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Malanchini
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary university of London, London, UK
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Kaili Rimfeld
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas G. Shakeshaft
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew McMillan
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Kerry L. Schofield
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Maja Rodic
- InLab, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Yulia Kovas
- InLab, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, London, UK
- Laboratory for Cognitive Investigations and Behavioural Genetics, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Philip S. Dale
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Elliot M. Tucker-Drob
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Robert Plomin
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Harden KP, Engelhardt LE, Mann FD, Patterson MW, Grotzinger AD, Savicki SL, Thibodeaux ML, Freis SM, Tackett JL, Church JA, Tucker-Drob EM. Genetic Associations Between Executive Functions and a General Factor of Psychopathology. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:749-758. [PMID: 31102652 PMCID: PMC6986791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Symptoms of psychopathology covary across diagnostic boundaries, and a family history of elevated symptoms for a single psychiatric disorder places an individual at heightened risk for a broad range of other psychiatric disorders. Both twin-based and genome-wide molecular methods indicate a strong genetic basis for the familial aggregation of psychiatric disease. This has led researchers to prioritize the search for highly heritable childhood risk factors for transdiagnostic psychopathology. Cognitive abilities that involve the selective control and regulation of attention, known as executive functions (EFs), are a promising set of risk factors. METHOD In a population-based sample of child and adolescent twins (n = 1,913, mean age = 13.1 years), we examined genetic overlap between both EFs and general intelligence (g) and a transdiagnostic dimension of vulnerability to psychopathology, comprising symptoms of anxiety, depression, neuroticism, aggression, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, hyperactivity, and inattention. Psychopathology symptoms in children were rated by children and their parents. RESULTS Latent factors representing general EF and g were highly heritable (h2 = 86%-92%), and genetic influences on both sets of cognitive abilities were robustly correlated with transdiagnostic genetic influences on psychopathology symptoms (genetic r values ranged from -0.20 to -0.38). CONCLUSION General EF and g robustly index genetic risk for transdiagnostic symptoms of psychopathology in childhood. Delineating the developmental and neurobiological mechanisms underlying observed associations between cognitive abilities and psychopathology remains a priority for ongoing research.
Collapse
|
36
|
Protzko J. Kids These Days! Increasing delay of gratification ability over the past 50 years in children. INTELLIGENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2020.101451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
37
|
Friedman NP, Hatoum AS, Gustavson DE, Corley RP, Hewitt JK, Young SE. Executive Functions and Impulsivity are Genetically Distinct and Independently Predict Psychopathology: Results from Two Adult Twin Studies. Clin Psychol Sci 2020; 8:519-538. [PMID: 33758683 DOI: 10.1177/2167702619898814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Laboratory executive function (EF) constructs, such as response inhibition, are often conceptually linked with self-report measures of impulsivity, yet their empirical correlations are low. We examined, in two twin studies (Ns=749 and 761 individuals with EF data), the phenotypic and genetic overlap of three EF latent variables (a Common EF factor predicting response inhibition, working memory updating, and mental set shifting tasks, and Updating- and Shifting-specific factors) with five impulsivity dimensions (negative and positive urgency, lack of premeditation and perseverance, and sensation seeking). In both samples, impulsivity dimensions only modestly correlated phenotypically (rs= -.20-.11) and genetically (rAs= -.44-.04) with Common EF. In both samples, Common EF and multiple impulsivity dimensions, particularly negative urgency, independently predicted Externalizing psychopathology, and multiple impulsivity dimensions, but not Common EF, predicted Internalizing psychopathology. These results suggest that EFs and self-reported impulsivity tap different aspects of control that are both relevant for psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi P Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University St. Louis Medical School
| | - Daniel E Gustavson
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego
| | - Robin P Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - John K Hewitt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Susan E Young
- Division of Substance Dependence, Psychiatry Department, University of Colorado Denver
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Malanchini M, Rimfeld K, Allegrini AG, Ritchie SJ, Plomin R. Cognitive ability and education: How behavioural genetic research has advanced our knowledge and understanding of their association. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:229-245. [PMID: 31968216 PMCID: PMC8048133 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive ability and educational success predict positive outcomes across the lifespan, from higher earnings to better health and longevity. The shared positive outcomes associated with cognitive ability and education are emblematic of the strong interconnections between them. Part of the observed associations between cognitive ability and education, as well as their links with wealth, morbidity and mortality, are rooted in genetic variation. The current review evaluates the contribution of decades of behavioural genetic research to our knowledge and understanding of the biological and environmental basis of the association between cognitive ability and education. The evidence reviewed points to a strong genetic basis in their association, observed from middle childhood to old age, which is amplified by environmental experiences. In addition, the strong stability and heritability of educational success are not driven entirely by cognitive ability. This highlights the contribution of other educationally relevant noncognitive characteristics. Considering both cognitive and noncognitive skills as well as their biological and environmental underpinnings will be fundamental in moving towards a comprehensive, evidence-based model of education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Malanchini
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom; Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, United States.
| | - Kaili Rimfeld
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea G Allegrini
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Ritchie
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Plomin
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen Y, Chen C, Wu T, Qiu B, Zhang W, Fan J. Accessing the development and heritability of the capacity of cognitive control. Neuropsychologia 2020; 139:107361. [PMID: 31987849 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive control serves as a core construct, with limited capacity, to support executive functions and other higher-level mental processes such as intellectual activity. Although previous studies have investigated the development of executive functions during specific age periods, the development of the capacity of cognitive control (CCC) from early childhood to late adolescence and the heritability of the CCC have yet to be delineated. In this study, we estimated the CCC based on the performance of a perceptual decision-making task in monozygotic (n = 95) and dizygotic (n = 81) twin pairs with an age range from 6 to 18 years and in a reference young adult group (n = 41, mean age = 26.15 years). In addition, the intelligence quotient (IQ) of these participants was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. We found an increase in the CCC from 1.55 bits per second (bps) at age 6 years to its 95% capacity of 3.87 bps at age 21 years, with a reduced growth rate as a function of age. The estimated heritability of the CCC was 0.66, and shared and non-shared environmental influences on the CCC were 0.18 and 0.16, respectively. The CCC was significantly correlated to IQ (r = 0.34). These findings indicate that the CCC is developed throughout the school years, is highly heritable, and is associated with higher-level cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, The City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA; School of Psychology & Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiqi Chen
- School of Psychology & Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, The City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Boyu Qiu
- School of Psychology & Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Psychology & Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, The City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Becker RE. Expanding our understanding of the impact of insomnia on early child development. J Clin Sleep Med 2020; 16:165-166. [DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald E. Becker
- Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Division of Developmental Medicine Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang M, Hu Z, Liu L, Li H, Qian Q, Niu H. Disrupted functional brain connectivity networks in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence from resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy. NEUROPHOTONICS 2020; 7:015012. [PMID: 32206679 PMCID: PMC7064804 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.7.1.015012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychological disease in childhood. Currently, widely used neuroimaging techniques require complete body confinement and motionlessness and thus are extremely hard for brain scanning of ADHD children. Aim: We present resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as an imaging technique to record spontaneous brain activity in children with ADHD. Approach: The brain functional connectivity was calculated, and the graph theoretical analysis was further applied to investigate alterations in the global and regional properties of the brain network in the patients. In addition, the relationship between brain network features and core symptoms was examined. Results: ADHD patients exhibited significant decreases in both functional connectivity and global network efficiency. Meanwhile, the nodal efficiency in children with ADHD was also found to be altered, e.g., increase in the visual and dorsal attention networks and decrease in somatomotor and default mode networks, compared to the healthy controls. More importantly, the disrupted functional connectivity and nodal efficiency significantly correlated with dimensional ADHD scores. Conclusions: We clearly demonstrate the feasibility and potential of fNIRS-based connectome technique in ADHD or other neurological diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjing Wang
- Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Hu
- Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
- Peking University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Haimei Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
- Peking University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Qiujin Qian
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
- Peking University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Haijing Niu
- Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing, China
- Beijing Normal University, Center of Social Welfare Studies, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hartung J, Engelhardt LE, Thibodeaux ML, Harden KP, Tucker-Drob EM. Developmental transformations in the structure of executive functions. J Exp Child Psychol 2020; 189:104681. [PMID: 31648081 PMCID: PMC6851482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2019.104681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Comparisons of results from studies of executive function (EF) in early childhood to those of EF in middle and late childhood suggest that individual differences in EFs may differentiate from a unitary factor in early childhood to an increasingly multidimensional structure in middle childhood and adolescence. We tested whether associations among EFs strengthened from middle childhood to adolescence using cross-sectional data from a population-based sample of 1019 children aged 7-15 years (M = 10.79 years). Participants completed a comprehensive EF battery consisting of 15 measures tapping working memory, updating, switching, and inhibition domains. Moderated factor analysis, local structural equation modeling, and network modeling were applied to assess age-related differences in the factor structure of EF. Results from all three approaches indicated that working memory and updating maintained uniformly high patterns of covariation across the age range, whereas inhibition became increasingly differentiated from the other three domains beginning around 10 years of age. However, consistent with past research, inhibition tasks were only weakly intercorrelated. Age-related differences in the organization of switching abilities were mixed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hartung
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Psychology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Laura E Engelhardt
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Megan L Thibodeaux
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - K Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Elliot M Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cioffi CC, Leve LD, Natsuaki MN, Shaw DS, Reiss D, Neiderhiser JM. Does Maternal Warmth Moderate Longitudinal Associations Between Infant Attention Control and Children's Inhibitory Control? INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2020; 29:e2147. [PMID: 32206043 PMCID: PMC7087485 DOI: 10.1002/icd.2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Attention control (AC) is thought to play an important role in the development of inhibitory control (IC) in children, yet there are few longitudinal studies of this association. This study used a prospective parent-child adoption design (N = 361 children) to examine whether maternal warmth at child age 27 months moderated the link between AC during infancy and IC during childhood. Tobit regression analyses indicated that low levels of infant AC at 9 months predicted low levels of IC at 6 years, controlling for birth parent IC, prenatal risk, infant distress to limitations, child sex, and openness of adoption. Adoptive mother warmth at 27 months moderated this association. In the context of higher levels of maternal warmth, the longitudinal association between low AC and low IC was attenuated. Thus, high levels of early maternal warmth may help diminish the effects of extant risk for IC deficits.
Collapse
|
44
|
Lemery-Chalfant K, Oro V, Rea-Sandin G, Miadich S, Lecarie E, Clifford S, Doane LD, Davis MC. Arizona Twin Project: Specificity in Risk and Resilience for Developmental Psychopathology and Health. Twin Res Hum Genet 2019; 22:681-685. [PMID: 31868161 PMCID: PMC7265985 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2019.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Arizona Twin Project is an ongoing longitudinal study designed to elucidate gene-environment interplay underlying the development of risk and resilience to common mental and physical health problems during infancy, childhood and adolescence. Specificity of risk is carefully examined across mental and physical health and how these influences vary across socioeconomic and sociocultural environments. Participants are a sample of approximately 700 twins (31% Latinx) recruited from birth records in the state of Arizona, USA. Twins are 32% monozygotic twins, 36% same-sex dizygotic (DZ), 32% opposite-sex DZ, currently 10-11 years of age. Primary caregivers were interviewed on twins' development and early physical and social environments when twins were 1, 2 and 5 years of age. In-depth objective measurement commenced in middle childhood, with in-person assessments at 8-11 years of age, with plans to continue to follow the sample across adolescence. Middle childhood measures focus on children's physical and mental health, including diurnal cortisol, actigraphy-based measures of sleep and activity, cold pressor task assessing acute pain, and reaction time tasks assessing executive functioning. Preliminary findings illustrate that objective assessments of children's health are highly heritable, but they do not always share genetic etiology with more commonly used subjective assessments. Exposure to early adversity moderates genetic influences on both executive functioning and health, with higher heritability typically seen under adverse conditions. Future directions include an examination of how pubertal stage affects genetic and environmental influences on diurnal cortisol, sleep, chronic pain, and mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica Oro
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gianna Rea-Sandin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Samantha Miadich
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Emma Lecarie
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Sierra Clifford
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Leah D Doane
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mary C Davis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gustavson DE, Panizzon MS, Franz CE, Reynolds CA, Corley RP, Hewitt JK, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS, Friedman NP. Integrating verbal fluency with executive functions: Evidence from twin studies in adolescence and middle age. J Exp Psychol Gen 2019; 148:2104-2119. [PMID: 30896200 PMCID: PMC6754807 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The relationship of verbal fluency to executive functions (EFs) remains somewhat unclear. Verbal fluency is sometimes considered an EF ability, but is not often included in the same models as other well-studied EFs (inhibition, shifting, and working memory updating). We examined the associations between verbal fluency and EFs at 2 ages with the unity/diversity model, which includes common and domain-specific EF factors. Participants were 813 adolescent twins from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Sample (mean age 17 years) and 1,290 middle-aged twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (mean age 56 years) who completed multiple measures of EFs, verbal fluency, vocabulary, and nonverbal cognitive ability. Results revealed that, in both samples, a General Fluency factor (i.e., comprising both phonemic and semantic fluency measures) was associated with the Common EF factor, but also with variance unique to working memory updating, working memory span, and set-shifting. In adolescents, semantic fluency also had unique associations with shifting beyond its shared variance with phonemic fluency and Common EF. After accounting for EFs and other cognitive abilities, there were unique genetic and environmental influences on the General Fluency and Semantic-Specific latent factors. These results suggest that verbal fluency ability may best be viewed as an amalgamation of general EF variance (i.e., Common EF ability), variance shared with other EFs (e.g., Updating-Specific ability), and multiple sources of unique genetic/environmental variance (i.e., General Fluency and Semantic-Specific abilities). These associations between verbal fluency and EFs generalize to populations that differ in age by approximately 40 years. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
46
|
Cirino PT, Ahmed Y, Miciak J, Taylor WP, Gerst EH, Barnes MA. A framework for executive function in the late elementary years. Neuropsychology 2019. [PMID: 29528682 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Executive function (EF) is a commonly used but difficult to operationalize construct. In this study, we considered EF and related components as they are commonly presented in the neuropsychological literature, as well as the literatures of developmental, educational, and cognitive psychology. These components have not previously been examined simultaneously, particularly with this level of comprehensiveness, and/or at this age range or with this sample size. We expected that the EF components would be separate but related, and that a bifactor model would best represent the data relative to alternative models. METHOD We assessed EF with 27 measures in a large sample (N = 846) of late elementary school-age children, many of whom were struggling in reading, and who were demographically diverse. We tested structural models of EF, from unitary models to methodological models, utilizing model-comparison factor analytic techniques. We examined both a common factor as well as a bifactor structure. RESULTS Initial models showed strong overlap among several latent EF variables. The final model was a bifactor model with a common EF, and five specific EF factors (working memory-span/manipulation and planning; working memory-updating; generative fluency, self-regulated learning; metacognition). CONCLUSIONS Results speak to the commonality and potential separability of EF. These results are discussed in light of prevailing models of EF and how EF might be used for structure/description, prediction, and for identifying its mechanism for relevant outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
Collapse
|
47
|
Wood AC, Vainik U, Engelhardt LE, Briley DA, Grotzinger AD, Church JA, Harden KP, Tucker-Drob EM. Genetic overlap between executive functions and BMI in childhood. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 110:814-822. [PMID: 31216571 PMCID: PMC6766443 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functions (EFs) comprise a group of cognitive processes that selectively control and regulate attention. Inverse relations have been reported between EFs and BMI. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood. OBJECTIVES We aimed to decompose the inverse relation between EFs and BMI into genetic and environmental components. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional analysis of data from 869 twins aged 7-15 y from the Texas Twin Project, who completed a neuropsychological test battery measuring 4 EFs (switching, inhibitory control, working memory, and updating); academic achievement (reading and mathematics); and general cognitive abilities (general intelligence/intelligence quotient; crystallized and fluid intelligence; and processing speed). Participants also had their height and weight measured. RESULTS After controlling for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, BMI was inversely associated with a general EF factor representing the capacity to control and regulate goal-oriented behaviors (r = -0.125; P = 0.01; Q = 0.04). This inverse BMI-EF association was due to a significant overlap in genetic factors contributing to each phenotype (genetic correlation, rA, = -0.15; P < 0.001). Shared genetic influences accounted for 80% of the phenotypic association. CONCLUSIONS Children with higher general EF have lower BMIs, and this association is primarily attributable to shared genetic influences on both phenotypes. The results emphasize that higher weight associates not only with physical sequelae, but also with important cognitive attributes. This work adds to a growing body of research suggesting there are sets of genetic variants common across physical health and cognitive functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Wood
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,Address correspondence to ACW (e-mail: )
| | - Uku Vainik
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Laura E Engelhardt
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Daniel A Briley
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Jessica A Church
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA,Imaging Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - K Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA,Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Elliot M Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA,Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gowey MA, Dutton GR. It's not all in your head: Genetic underpinnings of the relationship between executive function and BMI. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 110:793-794. [PMID: 31380558 PMCID: PMC6766437 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa A Gowey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Address correspondence to MAG (e-mail: )
| | - Gareth R Dutton
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Donati G, Dumontheil I, Meaburn EL. Genome-Wide Association Study of Latent Cognitive Measures in Adolescence: Genetic Overlap With Intelligence and Education. MIND, BRAIN AND EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MIND, BRAIN, AND EDUCATION SOCIETY 2019; 13:224-233. [PMID: 31598132 PMCID: PMC6771723 DOI: 10.1111/mbe.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in executive functions (EF) are heritable and predictive of academic attainment (AA). However, little is known about genetic contributions to EFs or their genetic relationship with AA and intelligence. We conducted genome-wide association analyses for processing speed (PS) and the latent EF measures of working memory (WM) and inhibitory control (IC) in 4,611 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. While no loci reached genome-wide significance, common genetic variants explained 30% of the variance in WM and 19% in PS. In contrast, we failed to find common genetic contributions to IC. Finally, we examined shared genetic effects between EFs and general intelligence, AA and ADHD. We identified significant genetic correlations between WM, intelligence, and AA. A more specific pattern was observed for PS, with modest genetic overlap with intelligence. Together these findings highlight diversity in the genetic contributions to specific cognitive functions and their genetic relationship with educational and psychiatric outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Donati
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive DevelopmentBirkbeck, University of London
| | - Iroise Dumontheil
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive DevelopmentBirkbeck, University of London
| | - Emma L. Meaburn
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive DevelopmentBirkbeck, University of London
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Nguyen T, Duncan RJ, Bailey DH. Theoretical and Methodological Implications of Associations between Executive Function and Mathematics in Early Childhood. CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 58:276-287. [PMID: 31814657 PMCID: PMC6897363 DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite agreement about the importance of executive function (EF) for children's early math achievement, its treatment in correlational studies reflects a lack of agreement about the theoretical connection between the two. It remains unclear whether the association between EF and math operates through a latent EF construct or specific EF components. Specifying the correct measurement model has important theoretical implications for the predicted effects of EF interventions on children's math achievement. In the current study, we tested whether associations between EF and math operate via a latent EF factor, or via specific EF components using data from a large, nationally representative sample. We then replicated these same analyses with a meta-analytic database drawn from ten studies that collected measures of children's EF and math achievement. Our results lend support to explanations that a single EF factor accounts for most of the EF component-specific associations with math achievement. We discuss theoretical and methodological implications of these findings for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tutrang Nguyen
- Curry School of Education & Human Development, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22904, 434-243-8665
| | - Robert J. Duncan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Public Health Graduate Program, Purdue University, 247 Hanley Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, 765-494-3312
| | - Drew H. Bailey
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, 2072 Education, Irvine, CA 92697, 949-824-4329
| |
Collapse
|