The present study was designed to examine the impact of
neuropsychological performance on the relationships between
stress, social support, and depression in 217 HIV-infected men.
Using path analysis, the contributions of four domains of cognitive
functioning (memory, attention, executive function, and psychomotor
speed), IQ, and relevant psychosocial variables to depression
were evaluated. In the model which best fit the data, cognitive
domains did not contribute directly to depression, but contributed
significantly to psychosocial variables which affected levels
of depression. Attention and executive function contributed
to reduced illness-related disability; while higher IQ was
associated with fewer stressful life events. Number of stressful
life events and level of illness-related disability were associated
with depressive symptoms. Higher IQ led to greater numbers of
social contacts, which was associated with fewer reported symptoms
of depression. These findings suggest that better
neuropsychological performance may lead to reduced stress and
perceived disability, and more available social contacts. By
these multiple paths, different domains of cognitive ability
contribute indirectly to ameliorating depression in HIV-infected
men. (JINS, 2002, 8, 436–447.)
Executive Function and Resilience as Mediators of Adolescents’ Perceived Stressful Life Events and School Adjustment
