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What cognitive processes are "sluggish" in sluggish cognitive tempo?
Michael J Kofler1, Lauren N Irwin1, Dustin E Sarver2
1Department of Psychology.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|October 16, 2019
Summary
Children with sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms do not globally have slow processing speed. Instead, their executive functions, specifically working memory and inhibition, are impaired, impacting behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is characterized by slowed thinking, reduced alertness, and distractibility.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results on whether SCT is globally associated with slowed information processing speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms and cognitive processing speed in children.
- To determine if SCT is associated with global processing speed deficits or specific executive function impairments.
Main Methods:
- A clinical sample of 132 children (ages 8-13) underwent neurocognitive testing.
- Sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms were assessed using multiple-informant reports (parents and teachers).
- Bayesian linear regressions were employed to analyze the associations between SCT symptoms and cognitive measures.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence was found against an association between sluggish cognitive tempo and overall processing speed.
- Significant associations were identified between SCT symptoms and slower working memory manipulation speed.
- Faster inhibition speed was linked to higher parent-reported SCT symptoms, independent of ADHD and IQ.
Conclusions:
- Sluggish cognitive tempo in children is not characterized by globally slowed cognitive processing.
- SCT symptoms are significantly related to executive dysfunction, specifically slow working memory and rapid inhibition.
- Behavioral manifestations of SCT may stem from difficulties in updating working memory and overactive inhibition.
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