H - 44 Relationship between Symptoms of Anxiety and Neurocognitive Functions of Attention and Working Memory in Trauma-Exposed Puerto Rican Adolescents: a Preliminary Data Analysis.

Abstract

Examine the relationship between symptoms of anxiety [ANX] and neurocognitive functions of attention [ATT] and working memory [WM] in trauma-exposed Puerto Rican adolescents. Secondary data analysis was performed of the study's sample, "Exploring the relationship between Traumatic Exposure on Neurocognitive Processes and Academic Achievement in a sample of Puerto Rican Youth". This study's design is a quantitative within-subjects, correlational-causal transactional non-experimental method. Spanish speaking adolescents who reside in Puerto Rico ages 12-17 were recruited. Without serious mental or motor disorders who self-reported exposure to more than one traumatic event. A non-probabilistic convenience sample (N = 21; M = 13; F = 8; Age: M = 15; SD = 1.6) was recruited from clinics (81%) and schools (19%) in different regions of Puerto Rico. To measure traumatic exposure, the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), which is a 15-item self-report trauma screening, was used. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), a 7-item self-report assessment used to explore anxiety symptoms. Lastly, cognitive variables ATT and WM, were measured using subtests of the standardized neuropsychological battery, Cognitive Assessment System-2: Español (CAS2:ES). A Linear Regression analysis revealed that total ANX could explain 18% variability of ATT and 56% of WM and were not statistically significant (p = 0.534, IC 95%; 0.53-1.93; p = 0.245, IC 95%: -2.64-0.75) consecutively. Preliminary data suggest some variability of WM can be explained by ANX experienced in trauma-exposed Puerto Rican adolescents. Confounding variables of complex trauma may exist. A larger clinical sample, including ANX severity and a control group, is recommended to explore cognitive, learning, and mental health consequences.