Executive functions as predictors of posttraumatic growth

Abstract: Executive functioning (EF) refers to a set of cognitive abilities mediated by the prefrontal cortex, which provide the ability to motivate, initialise, plan, inhibit and mentalise, especially during goal-directed behaviour. EF has been conceptualised into five subdomains for assessment and operationalization, namely organisation, strategic planning, empathy, impulse control, and motivational drive. Furthermore, EFs influence how different events and experiences are processed and managed by individuals. Traumatic types of events can result in trauma symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and emotions, high levels of anger, guilt, irritability, irrational thinking patterns, sensory sensitivity, declined intellectual performance or psychological disorder. However, these events can also result in the positive transformational process known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). A significant traumatic experience challenges an individual’s assumption and beliefs about themselves. Cognitive processing and activities that result in positive changes related to the individual’s outlooks and approach to life, relationships, and spiritual or existential engagement, indicate growth in one or more of the five PTG domains, namely relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life. The adaptive nature and tasks required for PTG, such as reconstruction, reappraisal, compassion, conscientiousness, self-regulation, perseverance, goal-orientation, and planning appear to be associated with the domains of executive functioning. Research has found PTG to be associated with prefrontal cortex activation, positive affect, deliberate rumination, mentalisation and prospective memory. The current study aimed to investigate whether the five subdomains of executive functions could significantly predict the five domains of PTG. The sample was comprised of undergraduate students of both genders, and various ethnicities, who had reported experiencing a traumatic event at least one, and at most five years prior to the time of data collection. The Executive Function Index (EFI) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were administered online to assess EF and PTG. Data were analysed using zero-order correlations and a multivariate multiple regression analysis (MMRA). Motivational drive, strategic planning, and empathy correlated positively with all five domains of PTG. Results also indicated that motivational drive and strategic planning predicted new possibilities and strategic planning predicted personal strength. The findings indicate the importance of goal-directed behaviour in the development of PTG and can assist in the development of trauma-related intervention and practice.M.A. (Counselling Psychology