Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Preliminary investigation on the Relationship between Emotion Dysregulation and Executive Functioning in a clinical sample of adolescents with traumatic history |
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| Contribution code | D2.136 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of traumatic experiences on adolescents cognitive and emotional functioning, taking into account both clinical presentation and type of traumatic experiences in addition to the potential relationship between executive dysfunction and various patterns of emotional dysregulation. Methods: To assess emotion regulation and executive functioning, we administered to a sample of 31 adolescents (25 females; M age = 14 ± 1.2 years) with personal history of child maltreatment (Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the NEPSY. The sample was analysed based on PTSD diagnosis (with or without) and type of maltreatment. Results: We found higher impairment in Executive Functioning and Emotion Regulation in patients with PTSD diagnosis, with the first description to our knowledge of alexithymia emotional dysregulation pattern in adolescent population with traumatic history. We also found poorer cognitive and emotional performances in maltreated patients with Neglect experience. Finally, in patients with PTSD and personal history of Neglect we found a moderate negative correlation between DERS and TAS total score and Executive Functions (Inhibition), Visual Attention, Memory and Visuospatial skills. Conclusions: Traumatic experiences significantly impact the developmental path of children and adolescents. Young patients with PTSD symptoms exposed to traumatic experiences in association with Neglect should be evaluated for the possible impairment of Emotion regulation and Executive functions, as both seem to be affected and mutually influenced and may serve as possible prognostic and therapeutic indicators. |