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. 2024 Mar;18(1):24-40.
doi: 10.1080/17437199.2022.2162430. Epub 2022 Dec 29.

A biobehavioural and social-structural model of inflammation and executive function in pediatric chronic health conditions

Kathryn P King  1 , Tori Humiston  2 , Marissa A Gowey  3 , Donna L Murdaugh  3 , Gareth R Dutton  4 , Amy Hughes Lansing  2
Affiliations

A biobehavioural and social-structural model of inflammation and executive function in pediatric chronic health conditions

Kathryn P King et al. Health Psychol Rev. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Evidence indicates that pediatric chronic health conditions (CHCs) often impair executive functioning (EF) and impaired EF undermines pediatric CHC management. This bidirectional relationship likely occurs due to biobehavioural and social-structural factors that serve to maintain this feedback loop. Specifically, biobehavioural research suggests that inflammation may sustain a feedback loop that links together increased CHC severity, challenges with EF, and lower engagement in health promoting behaviours. Experiencing social and environmental inequity also maintains pressure on this feedback loop as experiencing inequities is associated with greater inflammation, increased CHC severity, as well as challenges with EF and engagement in health promoting behaviours. Amidst this growing body of research, a model of biobehavioural and social-structural factors that centres inflammation and EF is warranted to better identify individual and structural targets to ameliorate the effects of CHCs on children, families, and society at large. This paper proposes this model, reviews relevant literature, and delineates actionable research and clinical implications.

Keywords: Executive function; chronic health conditions; health behaviour; inflammation; pediatric psychology; systemic inequity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biobehavioral and Contextual Model of Inflammation and EF in Pediatric Chronic Health Conditions
Figure 2
Figure 2
Biobehavioral and Contextual Model of Inflammation and EF in Pediatric Obesity
Figure 3
Figure 3
Biobehavioral and Social-Structural Model of Inflammation and EF in Pediatric Type I Diabetes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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