(PS6-4) Behavioral Inhibition and Working Memory Differentially Predict Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms – an Investigation During Middle and Late Adolescence Across 8 Years

Executive functioning (EF) impairments, specifically in working memory and inhibitory control, have been identified  as transdiagnostic risk factors or subsequent complications of psychopathology. Little is known about their dynamic temporal associations at different stages during middle and late adolescence. We have used data from a Brazilian panel study of over 2,500 adolescents (60.5% white, 28.1% mixed race-ethnicity, 10.5% black, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% other race-ethnicity or missing information), with half of all participants selected for their high-risk of psychopathology. All participants were assessed three times across an eight-year period during early (Mage=10.2-13.5) and middle (Mage=13.5-18.23) adolescence. We used a novel cross-lagged network analysis approach to examine associations between working memory (Corsi-block/digit span task), inhibitory control (Go/No-Go task) and broad-band transdiagnostic measures of psychopathology (internalizing/externalizing symptoms). Low inhibitory control (commission errors) predicted externalizing symptoms, but not internalizing symptoms during both stages of adolescence. Working memory data, point to a dual role as a protective and risk factor: During early adolescence, higher working memory predicted fewer externalizing symptoms (specifically rule-breaking behavior), whereas, in middle adolescence (i.e., waves 2 to 3), higher working memory was associated with more externalizing symptoms. These findings speak to the ‘risk factor’ theory of cognitive dysfunction in psychopathology. We discuss the importance of studying the differential role of EF in adolescent psychopathology at different stages of development.