Impact of Childhood Experiences on Older African Americans' Cognition
Author Information
Author(s): Graham Karen, Steinman Audrey, Paun Olimpia, Barnes Lisa
Primary Institution: Rush University
Hypothesis
Does active coping moderate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on cognition in older African Americans?
Conclusion
Higher active coping scores are linked to lower cognitive functioning in older African Americans.
Supporting Evidence
- Data from 756 participants were analyzed.
- Participants completed cognitive tests and questionnaires on ACEs and active coping.
- ACEs were not associated with global cognitive functioning.
- A negative relationship was found between active coping and global cognitive functioning.
Takeaway
This study looked at how tough childhood experiences affect thinking skills in older Black people, and found that trying hard to cope with those experiences might actually make thinking skills worse.
Methodology
Secondary analysis of data from the Minority Aging Research Study (MARS) involving cognitive tests and questionnaires on ACEs and active coping.
Limitations
More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ACEs, active coping, and cognition.
Participant Demographics
Older African Americans.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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