The role of internalizing psychopathology in executive function measurement: A behavioral and fMRI investigation

Perriello, Chris

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130049 Copy

Description

Title

The role of internalizing psychopathology in executive function measurement: A behavioral and fMRI investigation

Author(s)

Perriello, Chris

Issue Date

2025-07-17

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Heller, Wendy

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Sadaghiani, Sepideh

Committee Member(s)

• Berenbaum, Howard
• Dolcos, Sanda
• Miller, Gregory A

Department of Study

Psychology

Discipline

Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• executive function
• internalizing psychopathology
• neuropsychology
• clinical psychology

Abstract

Executive functions (EFs) are one of the most widely studied and broadly conceptualized constructs in clinical psychology due to their involvement in both neurological and mental health conditions. Because of this, being able to classify, measure, and predict these constructs is important for both research and clinical domains. The current study addressed questions related to the operationalization, measurement differences, and neural correlates of EF. Nine behavioral EF measures examining updating, shifting, and inhibition abilities, dimensional measures of depression (i.e. loss of interest, low positive affect, rumination) and anxiety (i.e. arousal, apprehension), and a self-report (SR) EF questionnaire were collected during the initial study visit. Resting state functional neuroimaging data was collected at the second and third visits. Three primary aims were developed, with the first focusing on classification, the second focusing on measurement modality, and the third focusing on neural correlates. Models dividing EF into smaller constructs have been previously proposed, though they have not always been replicated in smaller datasets given differences in EF operationalization via task selection. Three models established in prior literature (one-factor model, three-factor model, bifactor model) were chosen for Aim 1 to see which one would provide the best fit to the current study’s dataset. Findings supported one-factor and three-factor EF models and did not provide support for the bifactor model. These findings support continued exploration of EF latent factor models given the many methodological variables that contribute to replication. Prior research has observed discrepancies between self-report and behavioral measures of EF constructs, but factors contributing to these discrepancies are poorly understood. Aim 2 of the study examined the relationship between behavioral and SR EF measures and whether internalizing psychopathology factors impact that relationship. Zero-order correlations, partial correlations, and a hierarchical linear regression using step-wise insertion of variables were conducted to answer this question. Findings showed correlations between behavioral EF tasks within inhibition and updating domains, but significant variability for shifting tasks. Significant correlations were found between SR EF measures and internalizing psychopathology variables. There were no correlations among behavioral and SR EF measures. The hierarchical linear regression confirmed no predictive relationship between behavioral and SR EF measures, providing support that these measures capture different but complementary constructs. Internalizing psychopathology factors did not alter the relationships among EF measures, but replicated prior findings that depressive symptoms are significantly related to behavioral shifting EF abilities. Neural correlates associated with specific EF domains has been a growing interest within the field, but methodological limitations and underpowered samples have led to inconsistent findings, with few studies showing consistent replications. Initial studies using graph theory approaches enable a topological examination of functional organization as it relates to EF domains. Aim 3 of this paper sought to replicate prior graph theoretic neuroimaging findings associated with behavioral EF and build upon those findings by exploring whether SR EF and internalizing psychopathology variables impact graph theoretic features associated with behavioral EF. A priori region-specific graph centrality measure were selected from a prior study in the interest of replicating them using a resting state data paradigm. A follow-up exploratory analysis with multiple a priori regions selected and using the same resting state paradigm was regressed on to four EF factors (in keeping with the two models supported during Aim 1). Results from the a priori imaging analysis were null and did not replicate prior findings. However, exploratory findings demonstrated significant centrality properties for supplementary motor area (SMA), cerebellum, and postcentral gyrus that were associated with improved behavioral EF outcomes. Precentral gyrus, insular cortex, and DLPFC additionally showed interactions with psychopathology variables that impacted observed behavioral EF properties. These findings provide support for further investigation into these regions that may have functional hub-like properties associated with behavioral EF abilities, and underscore the importance of examining psychopathology in EF neural research given the overlap in regions involved with both cognitions. These findings also highlight ongoing concerns in the field about replication pitfalls and the need for cautious interpretation. While these results suggest domain-specific EF functional properties, similarities across EF domains emphasizes the overlapping and complex nature of these constructs.

Graduation Semester

2025-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130049

Copyright and License Information

© 2025 Chris Perriello

Owning Collections