The relation between different executive functions and depressive symptoms in young adults in Croatia

The study aims to explore the specific relation of different executive functions with depressive symptoms in a non-clinical sample of young adults in Croatia. The online study included 290 young adults (aged 18-35). Participants completed a PHQ-9 questionnaire that assessed depressive symptoms, one measure of executive functions using self-report, and two behavioural tasks measuring working memory and inhibition. Partial correlation analysis indicated that better working memory (measured using both self-report and a behavioural task) is related to less depressive symptoms in young adults. Contrary to expectations, the relation between inhibition and depressive symptoms was not confirmed. Additionally, the regression analysis suggests that working memory task is an important predictor of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for participant’s education level, financial status, and level of resilience. Research shows that certain executive functions are differentially related to mental health in young adults. Additional research is needed to explore the mechanism underlying these differences and aid the creation of more appropriate treatment plans.