Date of Award

Spring 5-2020

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Author's Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (AM/MA)

Degree Type

Thesis

Abstract

Executive Ability Difficulties in Everyday Contexts among Children with Sickle Cell Disease Objective: The present study investigated the utility of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in identifying executive ability difficulties in everyday contexts among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Method: Participants were 243 children with SCD and 409 typically-developing control children ranging from 5.0 to 18.3 years of age (M=10.5, SD=3.4). The primary outcome, reported executive ability difficulties, was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) Parent Form. IQ was estimated using the Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). Sociodemographic information was obtained from parents, and SCD characteristics were ascertained from medical records. Results: Independent samples t-tests indicated that children with SCD had poorer scores than typically-developing controls on the BRIEF Global Executive Composite Index. Additional analysis showed that their scores were also poorer than those of controls across both BRIEF indices (Behavioral Regulation, Metacognition) and the 8 individual scales of the BRIEF. Models investigating the contributions of infarct status, age, and parent education on the BRIEF Global Executive Composite, Behavioral Regulation, and Metacognition Indices indicated significant, independent associations of infarct status and parent education with each BRIEF measure, as well as a significant age by group interaction for the Behavioral Regulation Index. Conclusion: The BRIEF is of utility in identifying executive difficulties among children with SCD.

Language

English (en)

Chair and Committee

Desiree White, PhD

Committee Members

Michael Strube, PhD Allison King, MD, MPH, PhD

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