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Depression, Executive Dysfunction, and Prior Economic and Social Vulnerability Associations in Incarcerated African
Faith A Scanlon1, Joy D Scheidell1, Gary S Cuddeback2
11 Division of Comparative Effectiveness and Decision Science, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Summary
Low executive function and depression significantly predict poor pre-incarceration well-being in African American men. Interventions targeting these issues in prison may improve outcomes after release.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Low executive function (EF) and depression are significant health determinants.
- These conditions can negatively impact an individual's overall well-being and societal functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the combined impact of impaired executive function and depressive symptoms on pre-incarceration well-being.
- To identify specific areas of pre-incarceration adversity associated with co-occurring EF deficits and depression.
Main Methods:
- Study included 189 incarcerated African American men.
- Executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) for cognitive flexibility.
- Depressive symptoms were measured using the modified Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.
Main Results:
- Co-occurring impaired EF and depression were strongly linked to pre-incarceration food insecurity (OR=3.81).
- These deficits were also associated with homelessness (OR=3.00), concern about bills (OR=3.76), and low social support (OR=4.63 for significant others, OR=3.47 for friends).
- Relationship difficulties (OR=2.86) and binge drinking (OR=3.62) were also significantly associated with the combined EF and depression deficits.
Conclusions:
- The synergy between low executive function and depression exacerbates pre-incarceration adversity.
- Targeting depression and improving problem-solving skills through prison-based programs may enhance post-release success.
- These findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and cognitive support services within correctional settings.
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