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Childhood Maltreatment Impacts Cognitive Function in Emerging Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wai M Wong1,2, Bixi Zhang2, Damaris Foley1
1Department of Psychology, CUNY Queens College, Flushing, NY, USA.
Psychological Reports
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Childhood maltreatment negatively impacts cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control in emerging adults. However, working memory appears preserved, suggesting adaptive mechanisms despite adverse experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Mixed findings exist regarding childhood maltreatment's impact on executive functions.
- Long-term effects on cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate existing research on childhood maltreatment and executive functions in emerging adults.
- To analyze the specific influences on cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 17 studies was conducted.
- Inclusion criteria focused on emerging adults, childhood maltreatment measures, and specific executive function assessments.
- Subgroup and moderator analyses were performed to examine effect sizes and covariates.
Main Results:
- Childhood maltreatment was associated with poorer cognitive flexibility (g = -0.30) and inhibitory control (g = -0.10).
- Working memory did not significantly differ between maltreated and non-maltreated emerging adults (g = 0.26).
- Moderator analyses indicated working memory was more positively affected than cognitive flexibility.
Conclusions:
- Childhood maltreatment impairs cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control but preserves working memory in emerging adults.
- Findings support both the deficits model (adverse effects) and adaptation model (working memory preservation).
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