Reasoning, problem solving, attention/vigilance, and working memory are candidate phenotypes of non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese Han nationality

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is one of the fundamental features among patients with schizophrenia. The relationship between schizophrenia symptoms, insight and cognitive domains remains controversial. We aimed to study these relations in a sample of Egyptian patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 109 patients with schizophrenia were assessed using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.)) Axis I diagnosis (SCID-I), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Scale to Assess Unawareness of Medical Disorder (SUMD). Cognitive functions were assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). The cognitive functions would be distributed to cover six cognitive domains: attention/vigilance speed of processing, verbal learning, visual learning, working memory and reasoning/problem solving. Results: There was a significant correlation between all cognitive domains (except attention) and PANSS subscales. PANSS negative and general psychopathology subscales were significantly correlated with five cognitive domains: speed of processing, verbal learning, visual learning, working memory and reasoning/problem solving. PANSS negative subscale was significantly correlated with verbal learning (verbal paired association 1) and visual learning (visual paired association 1). There was a significant correlation between all cognitive domains and SUMD, except verbal and visual learning domains assessed by verbal and visual paired association 1 subtests, as well as attention assessed by failure to maintain set subtest. Only visual learning (trials administered), working memory (percentage error), and processing speed (perseverative responses, and trials to complete first category) were significantly negatively correlated to SUMD. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia is most likely to underlie negative symptoms, general psychopathology symptoms and poor insight, suggesting that treatment strategies minimizing these symptoms would improve cognitive impairment.

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M59. THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN THEORY OF MIND AND NEUROCOGNITION IN RECENT ONSET PSYCHOSIS

Schizophrenia Bulletin ◽

10.1093/schbul/sbaa030.371 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S157-S157

Author(s):

Élisabeth Thibaudeau ◽

William Pothier ◽

Andréanne Lavoie ◽

Mélissa Turcotte ◽

Amélie M Achim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Theory Of Mind ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Mental States ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Recent Onset ◽

Reasoning Problem

Abstract Background Deficits in theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others, are common in psychotic disorders and are associated with functioning difficulties. While ToM is a social cognitive process, several neurocognitive processes are involved when inferring the mental states of others. A better understanding of the associations between ToM and neurocognitive domains could help better target treatment for ToM in schizophrenia. A recent meta-analysis has revealed that all neurocognitive domains are moderately associated with ToM in schizophrenia, but very few studies have looked at these associations in recent onset psychosis. These studies showed associations between ToM and speed of processing, episodic memory and executive functions although few neurocognitive domains have been assessed in each study. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between ToM and the key neurocognitive domains in recent onset psychosis. Methods These results are part of a larger study that aimed to determine the cognitive predictors of return to work or school in recent onset psychosis. Twenty-seven recent onset psychosis patients were recruited for this study, with a mean age of 24.9 years. The clinical assessment included the Combined Stories Test for ToM and the Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for neurocognition. The MCCB assesses the key cognitive domains relevant for schizophrenia, including attention/vigilance, speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning/problem solving and social cognition. Pearson correlations were conducted between the ToM scores of the Combined Stories Test and each neurocognitive domain of the MCCB. Results Correlations revealed a moderate to strong association between ToM and working memory (r = 0.443, p = 0.021), visual learning (r = 0.493, p = 0.009) and verbal learning (r = 0.443, p = 0.021). The correlations between ToM and attention/vigilance, speed of processing and reasoning/problem solving were not significant (p > 0.05). Discussion This is the first study that has assessed the associations between ToM and the neurocognitive domains of the MCCB in recent onset psychosis. This study did not show association between ToM and speed of processing nor executive functions, but rather with working memory and learning. These contradictory results could be explained by the large heterogeneity of tasks used across studies, particularly ToM tasks that often present with psychometric limitations such as ceiling effect. Learning processes highlighted here should be considered in the understanding of the therapeutic response following a cognitive remediation therapy for ToM in recent onset psychosis.

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The Prediction of Problem-Solving Assessed Via Microworlds

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000263 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 298-306 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Samuel Greiff ◽

Katarina Krkovic ◽

Jarkko Hautamäki

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Complex Problem ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Assessment Instruments ◽

Complex Problem Solving ◽

Visual Spatial ◽

Rule Knowledge ◽

Rule Application ◽

Fluid Reasoning

Abstract. In this study, we explored the network of relations between fluid reasoning, working memory, and the two dimensions of complex problem solving, rule knowledge and rule application. In doing so, we replicated the recent study by Bühner, Kröner, and Ziegler (2008) and the structural relations investigated therein [ Bühner, Kröner, & Ziegler, (2008) . Working memory, visual-spatial intelligence and their relationship to problem-solving. Intelligence, 36, 672–680]. However, in the present study, we used different assessment instruments by employing assessments of figural, numerical, and verbal fluid reasoning, an assessment of numerical working memory, and a complex problem solving assessment using the MicroDYN approach. In a sample of N = 2,029 Finnish sixth-grade students of which 328 students took the numerical working memory assessment, the findings diverged substantially from the results reported by Bühner et al. Importantly, in the present study, fluid reasoning was the main source of variation for rule knowledge and rule application, and working memory contributed only a little added value. Albeit generally in line with previously conducted research on the relation between complex problem solving and other cognitive abilities, these findings directly contrast the results of Bühner et al. (2008) who reported that only working memory was a source of variation in complex problem solving, whereas fluid reasoning was not. Explanations for the different patterns of results are sought, and implications for the use of assessment instruments and for research on interindividual differences in complex problem solving are discussed.

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A Complexity Theory Model in Science Education Problem Solving: Random Walks for Working Memory and Mental Capacity

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e538732010-001 ◽

2003 ◽

Author(s):

D. Stamovlasis ◽

G. Tsaparlis

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Science Education ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Random Walks ◽

Complexity Theory ◽

Theory Model ◽

Mental Capacity

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Working Memory, Fluid Reasoning, and Complex Problem Solving: Different Results Explained by the Brunswik Symmetry

Journal of Intelligence ◽

10.3390/jintelligence9010005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 5

Author(s):

André Kretzschmar ◽

Stephan Nebe

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Latent Variables ◽

Complex Problem ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Complex Problem Solving ◽

Symmetry Principle ◽

Fluid Reasoning ◽

The Impact

In order to investigate the nature of complex problem solving (CPS) within the nomological network of cognitive abilities, few studies have simultantiously considered working memory and intelligence, and results are inconsistent. The Brunswik symmetry principle was recently discussed as a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings because the operationalizations differed greatly between the studies. Following this assumption, 16 different combinations of operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were examined in the present study (N = 152). Based on structural equation modeling with single-indicator latent variables (i.e., corrected for measurement error), it was found that working memory incrementally explained CPS variance above and beyond fluid reasoning in only 2 of 16 conditions. However, according to the Brunswik symmetry principle, both conditions can be interpreted as an asymmetrical (unfair) comparison, in which working memory was artificially favored over fluid reasoning. We conclude that there is little evidence that working memory plays a unique role in solving complex problems independent of fluid reasoning. Furthermore, the impact of the Brunswik symmetry principle was clearly demonstrated as the explained variance in CPS varied between 4 and 31%, depending on which operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were considered. We argue that future studies investigating the interplay of cognitive abilities will benefit if the Brunswik principle is taken into account.

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A Review of Empirical Treatment Studies for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1891/0889-8391.26.1.3 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 3-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Amy M. Brausch ◽

Sarah K. Girresch

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Behavioral Problem ◽

Specific Treatment ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Problem Solving Skills ◽

Self Injury ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a concern in the adolescent population given its relationship to suicidal behavior, pointing to the serious need for adequate treatments for this high-risk population. This review examined empirical studies that evaluated treatments for NSSI among adolescents, and evaluated how the components of each treatment address common underlying and concurrent factors of NSSI. Among the available treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions that integrate a problem-solving component and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have received the most empirical attention. However, studies examining the utility of cognitive-behavioral problem-solving interventions for adolescents, and randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of DBT are lacking. Overall, CBT-based treatments improved underlying or maintaining factors of NSSI, such as depression, hopelessness, and problem-solving skills. DBT was effective for reducing hospitalizations. No existing studies evaluated treatment effectiveness for NSSI exclusively, and few studies used a purely adolescent sample. This review highlights the gap in knowledge regarding adolescent NSSI—there is no strong evidence for the efficacy of any specific treatment.

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What mediates the relationship between growth in math problem-solving and working memory in English language learners?

Journal of Educational Psychology ◽

10.1037/edu0000718 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

H. Lee Swanson ◽

Genesis D. Arizmendi ◽

Jui-Teng Li

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

English Language Learners ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Language Learners ◽

English Language ◽

Math Problem ◽

Math Problem Solving ◽

The Relationship

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Why expressive suppression does not pay? Cognitive costs of negative emotion suppression: The mediating role of subjective tense-arousal

Polish Psychological Bulletin ◽

10.1515/ppb-2015-0041 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 336-349 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dorota Szczygieł ◽

Tomasz Maruszewski

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Negative Emotion ◽

Digit Span ◽

Negative Emotions ◽

Span Task ◽

Expressive Suppression ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Problem Solving Task

Abstract The aim of this paper was to contribute to a broader understanding of the cognitive consequences of expressive suppression. Specifically, we examined whether the deteriorating effect of expressive suppression on cognitive functioning is caused by tense arousal enhanced by suppression. Two experiments were performed in order to test this prediction. In both studies we tested the effect of expressive suppression on working memory, as measured with a backwards digit-span task (Study 1, N = 43) and anagram problem-solving task (Study 2, N = 60). In addition, in Study 2 we tested whether expressive suppression degrades memory of the events that emerged during the period of expressive suppression. Both studies were conducted in a similar design: Participants watched a film clip which evoked negative emotions (i.e. disgust in Study 1 and a combination of sadness and anxiety in Study 2) under the instruction to suppress those negative emotions or (in the control condition) to simply watch the film. The results of these experiments lead to three conclusions. First, the results reveal that expressive suppression degrades memory of the events that emerged during the period of expressive suppression and leads to poorer performance on working memory tasks, as measured with a backwards digit-span task and anagram problem-solving task. Second, the results indicate that expressive suppression leads to a significant increase in subjective tense arousal. Third, the results support our prediction that expressive suppression decreases cognitive performance through its effects on subjective tense arousal. The results of the Study 1 show that tense arousal activated during expressive suppression of disgust fully mediates the negative effect of suppression on working memory as measured with a backwards digit-span task. The results of Study 2 reveal that subjective tense arousal elicited while suppressing sadness and anxiety mediates both the effect of suppression on working memory - as measured with the anagram task - and memory of the events that occurred during the period of suppression.

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