Executive Function And Adaptive Coping as Frontal Lobe Functions In Healthy Adults

Title : Executive Function And Adaptive Coping as Frontal Lobe Functions In Healthy Adults

Abstract:

This study evaluated the relationship between executive function and adaptive coping strategies (ACS) in healthy adults between the ages of 43 and 52. The participants (n=104) 52 males and 52 females had no history of neurological or psychiatric illnesses or chronic conditions. Neuropsychological assessment was performed with Tower of London ^DX (TOL^DX) test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Coping Strategies Inventory. A relationship was found between the percentage of error and conceptual-level responses (both WCST) and the Problem Solving (ACS). In a separate analysis performed on the males, a negative relationship was identified between the WCST responses and the Emotional Expression (ACS). In the female group the dimensions of the WCST and the TOL^DX were associated with the emotional Expression and Problem Solving ACS subscales and the maladaptive coping strategy Social Withdrawal subscale. The relationship between executive function and ACS is multidimensional and complex.

Among the most important influences in this relationship, it was found the gender, probably as a consequence of cultural learning. Importantly, the critical anatomical area it seems to be the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) that is related with specific aspects of executive functions. Finally, If the stressing situation was related to changes in the diary routine, better was the executive function performance, possibly this can be explained by both emotional and cognitive aspects, specifically self-confidence and flexibility cognitive.

Using a neuropsychological analysis with ecological validity, this study adds the view of frontal lobe socio-cultural plasticity. Future research should consider designer studies with focal neurological disorders.

What will audience learn from your presentation?

• Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn?
• The audience will be able to consider contextual factors in a neuropsychological assessment.
• In the day-to-day this approach allows take into account people specific context.
• A better behavioral understanding in relation with cognitive functioning.

Biography:

Dr. Ana Lilia Rodríguez Villegas studied a Psychology Bachelor (1992-1996) a Mater Degree in Neuropsychology (1998-2000) and a Psychology PhD (2011-2015) at National Autonomous University of México. She received her PhD degree, in 2014 in the same institution, with an acknowledge for early graduation. She was working in public health system particularly with neurosurgical patients and lysosomal storage disorders with neuropsychological assessments. She has an international article in Applied Neuropsychology Adult. She is member of International Neuropsychological Society and Canadian Psychology Association.