IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract Background Childhood maltreatment could have a negative impact on emotional1 and cognitive2 development, and it can be vulnerable factors for mental illness. Aim & Objectives This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of maltreatment on cognitive function in young adults by using various cognitive measurements, including computerized test. Methods We recruited 149 healthy individuals with and without maltreatment experiences and conducted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV (WAIS-IV) and computerized battery for measuring cognitive function. To evaluate childhood maltreatment experiences, we used the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETISR-SF). Results Among the WAIS-IV subscales, the perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed scores were lower after controlling for age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms in the maltreatment group than in the no-maltreatment group (all, p <0.01, Table 1). Among the cognitive function variables measured by CNS-VS, psychomotor speed, reaction time, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, executive function, working memory, sustained attention, and motor speed were significantly lower in the maltreatment group than in the no-maltreatment group (all, p <0.05). Discussion & Conclusion This study highlights the childhood maltreatment effects on cognitive function in young adulthood. Also, our results suggest that cognitive interventions for cognitive function in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment could be effective for enhancing the resilience of the individuals. References Teicher, M. H., &Samson, J. A. (2016). Annual Research Review: Enduring neurobiological effects of childhood abuse and neglect. J Child Psychol Psychiatry, 57, 241-266. Su, Y. Y., D'Arcy, C., Yuan, S., &Meng, X. F. (2019). How does childhood maltreatment influence ensuing cognitive functioning among people with the exposure of childhood maltreatment? A systematic review of prospective cohort studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 252, 278-293.