Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2026

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Psychological Distress is Associated With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders
Zahra Tahmasebi1, Archana J McEligot2, Ka'ala Pang3
1Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA.
Abstract:
We examined the relationship between psychological distress and other factors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). We conducted a community-based participatory research study on NHPI (N = 54). Age, education, gender, height/weight, cognitive functioning, social support, and psychological distress were ascertained via a self-report questionnaire. Chi-square and logistic regression were utilized to examine the relationship between psychological distress and MCI, adjusted for covariates. We found that those with higher psychological distress had significantly higher MCI (OR = 1.36, p < .05); other covariates, including body mass index and age, were also significantly associated with MCI (OR = 1.16, p < .05; OR = 1.14, p < .05, respectively). Our findings suggest that psychological distress may potentially increase cognitive impairment in NHPI. Further studies examining the role of psychological distress, as well as mental health awareness and care, may subsequently reduce cognitive impairment in at-risk, vulnerable communities.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...

