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The present study examined the relationships among measures that purportedly assess emotional intelligence (EI), social cognition, and emotional decision making within a sample of nonclinical undergraduate participants. Forty participants, both male and female, who scored in either the highest or the lowest quartiles of an EI measure (the Trait Meta-Mood Scale) completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Iowa Gambling Task. As expected, main effects for gender and EI level occurred, as women outperformed men on the Eyes Test, and participants in the higher EI group outperformed those in the lower EI group on the Eyes Test. Additionally, men classified in the higher EI group performed significantly better on the Eyes Test than men in the lower EI group. However, no group or gender differences were found on the Iowa Gambling Task.

Primary Objective: To examine associations between neuroimaging indicators of cerebral tract integrity and neurocognitive functioning in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research Design: Between-Groups design with two TBI groups and controls. Method and Procedures: Forty-four participants with TBI and 27 matched controls completed diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological measures of processing speed, attention, memory, and executive function. Multivariate analyses were conducted to examine group differences in white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy) for 11 regions of interest and cognitive performance among adult males with chronic phase, mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Correlational analyses investigated associations between white matter integrity, brain injury severity, and cognitive status. Main Outcomes and Results: Participants with moderate or severe TBI exhibited reduced white matter integrity in 8 of 11 ROIs and worse performance on most cognitive measures, relative to control participants. Persons with mild TBI did not differ from controls on white matter integrity values and differed on one measure of processing speed. Significant correlations were found between injury severity ratings and 10 ROIs, most notably between ROIs and measures of processing speed or memory. Conclusions: These findings provide nuanced information regarding white matter connectivity as it relates to neurocognitive abilities across the TBI severity spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Independent Living Scales Health and Safety (ILS HS) scale is commonly used by neuropsychologists when evaluating older adults' instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, there is a minimal amount of research on its use in dementia populations and, specifically, its relationship to other neuropsychological measures. The present study investigated relationships between the ILS HS scale and measures of cognition and depression. The study utilized archival data from a sample (N = 142) of older adults (mean age = 77.85) diagnosed with dementia, who were evaluated at Saint Louis University Medical Center and administered the ILS HS scale as part of a larger clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that up to 37% of the variance in ILS HS performance was accounted for by demographic variables, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive functioning (e.g., global cognition, delayed verbal recall, and executive functioning), and regression models demonstrated medium to large effect sizes. Depression and self- or informant-reported IADLs were unrelated to the ILS HS scale. Results suggest that older adults' ability to function in health and safety-related situations requires a range of cognitive abilities. Performance on these measures may help guide clinical decision making regarding independent living and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: This study examined the construct and concurrent validity of ImPACT, a computerized neuropsychological test battery used for evaluating sports-related concussion. Research design: Approximately 100 neurologically intact undergraduates completed ImPACT and a battery of traditional neuropsychological tests utilized by the National Football League (NFL). Methods and procedures: Participants completed the two batteries in a counterbalanced order. Factor analyses examined the component structure of ImPACT and the NFL battery's factor structure. Correlational analyses assessed relationships among variables within and across the two batteries. Main results: A four-factor solution explaining 70% of variance was found with the NFL battery, including general memory, mental processing speed, verbal memory and processing speed and auditory and verbal working memory. A five-factor solution explaining 69% of variance was found with the ImPACT battery, with components assessing forced choice efficiency, verbal and visual memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities, visual processing abilities with a memory component and a factor with a single loading from Colour Match Total Commissions. Correlations revealed a range of significant and non-significant correlations between the two batteries. Conclusions: While both batteries overlap regarding their assessed constructs (e.g. memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities) notable differences in their factor structures were present as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]