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Income, neural executive processes, and preschool children's executive control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2016

Erika J. Ruberry ,
Liliana J. Lengua ,
Leanna Harris Crocker ,
Jacqueline Bruce ,
Michaela B. Upshaw  and
Jessica A. Sommerville
Erika J. Ruberry
Affiliation:
University of Washington
Liliana J. Lengua*
Affiliation:
University of Washington
Leanna Harris Crocker
Affiliation:
University of Washington
Jacqueline Bruce
Affiliation:
Oregon Social Learning Center
Michaela B. Upshaw
Affiliation:
University of Washington
Jessica A. Sommerville
Affiliation:
University of Washington
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Liliana Lengua, Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195; E-mail: liliana@uw.edu.
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Abstract

This study aimed to specify the neural mechanisms underlying the link between low household income and diminished executive control in the preschool period. Specifically, we examined whether individual differences in the neural processes associated with executive attention and inhibitory control accounted for income differences observed in performance on a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks. The study utilized a sample of preschool-aged children (N = 118) whose families represented the full range of income, with 32% of families at/near poverty, 32% lower income, and 36% middle to upper income. Children completed a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks and then completed two computerized executive control tasks while EEG data were collected. We predicted that differences in the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of executive attention and inhibitory control would account for income differences observed on the executive control battery. Income and ERP measures were related to performance on the executive control battery. However, income was unrelated to ERP measures. The findings suggest that income differences observed in executive control during the preschool period might relate to processes other than executive attention and inhibitory control.

Type
Regular Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 29 , Special Issue 1: Developmental and Social–Ecological Perspectives on Children, Political Violence, and Armed Conflict , February 2017 , pp. 143 - 154
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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