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. 2024 Feb 19;14(1):4081.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53819-1.

Exploring stress response's role in executive function impairments among adults with early adverse childhood experiences

Taïna Steevine Victor  1   2 , Baptiste Jacquet  3   4 , Farid El Massioui  3   4
Affiliations

Exploring stress response's role in executive function impairments among adults with early adverse childhood experiences

Taïna Steevine Victor et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognised as precursors to numerous physical and mental health challenges. However, research on their impact on inhibitory control and working memory, particularly among healthy young adults, remains limited. The role played by the stress response as a moderator in these effects is likewise underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by examining cognitive impairments in non-clinical adults with early childhood trauma, specifically trauma before the age of 13 years, and by assessing the influence of the stress response on these effects. A total of 15 participants with early ACEs were compared with a control group (n = 18) using the Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) and Stroop Word Colour Test (SCWT). Results showed that participants with early ACEs exhibited lower scores on the SCWT but not the CBTT. The stress response emerged as a potential factor in the relationship between early ACEs and cognitive performance. The implications of these findings are then discussed in relation to the existing literature.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Description of the procedure. CISS Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, STAI-Y(A) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory A form, STAI-Y(B) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory B form, VAS Visual Analog Scale, SCWT Stroop Colour Word Test, IET Inventory of Traumatic Event.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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