Exploring relationships between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns in a transdiagnostic sample

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Executive functions are key neurocognitive processes for mental processing.
• Maladaptive cyclical patterns are recurrent, dysfunctional psychological elements linked to distress.
• Current research fields and methods limit theoretical integration of these constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns.
• To investigate how specific executive functions influence these patterns.
• To understand the predictive role of these functions and patterns in emotional processing.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 96 participants (mean age 20.78) was recruited.
• Participants completed self-report questionnaires and neuropsychological tests.
• Executive functions were assessed using standardized behavioral tasks.

Main Results:

• Behavioral inhibition showed a negative correlation with maladaptive cyclical patterns.
• Cognitive inflexibility demonstrated a positive correlation with maladaptive cyclical patterns.
• Regression analysis indicated that behavioral inhibition, psychological inflexibility, and recurring states of mind predicted emotional processing difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Executive functions are significantly related to maladaptive cyclical patterns.
• The distinction between self-report and behavioral measures may hinder integrated study.
• Findings highlight the neurocognitive underpinnings of psychological distress patterns.