Date of Award
Spring 5-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Applied Biopsychology
Department
Psychology
Major Professor
Beaton, Elliott
Second Advisor
Lamm, Connie
Third Advisor
Devier, Deidre
Abstract
Stress and anxiety negatively impact the working memory system by competing for executive resources. Broad memory deficits have been reported in individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). We investigated anxiety and physiological stress reactivity in relation to visuospatial working memory impairments in 20 children with 22q11.2DS and 32 typically developing children (M = 11.10 years, SD = 2.95). Results indicate reduced post-stress RSA recovery and overall increased levels of cortisol in children with 22q11.2DS. Additionally, anxiety mediated the relationship between 22q11.2DS and visuospatial working memory impairment. However, there was no indication that stress response physiology mediated this association. Results suggest that anxiety exacerbates impaired working memory in children with 22q11.2DS. Thus, treatment and intervention methods for children with 22q11.2DS should address anxiety related symptomology.
Recommended Citation
Sanders, Ashley F. P., "Working Memory Impairments in Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: The Roles of Anxiety and Stress Physiology" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2191.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2191
Included in
Biological Psychology Commons, Child Psychology Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Developmental Neuroscience Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.