Executive control under stress: Relation to reappraisal ability and depressive symptoms

Depression is characterized by difficulties regulating emotions, which may result from executive control impairment. For some individuals, stress exposure leads to executive control impairment. The current study examined whether executive control measured under conditions of acute stress is associated with reappraisal ability and prospectively predicts symptoms of depression during a stressful time of life. Sixty-six participants completed either a laboratory stress induction or a control task. Executive control was measured before and after the stress induction or control task. Reappraisal ability was measured by self-reported negative emotion while viewing aversive images. Participants reported depressive symptoms at baseline and during a period of life stress. Lower levels of executive control under stress were associated with reduced reappraisal ability. Lower levels of executive control under stress also prospectively predicted higher depressive symptoms. Finally, reduced reappraisal ability prospectively predicted higher depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that level of executive control when under stress may contribute to reappraisal ability and symptoms of depression during a time of life stress.