The Mediating Role of Visuospatial Planning Skills on Adaptive Function Among Young–Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor

Abstract

The Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS) was used as a method to examine executive skills on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF). Young-adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (N = 31) and a demographically-matched comparison group (N = 33) completed the ROCF copy version and Grooved Pegboard, and informants were administered the Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised (SIB-R) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Survivors had significantly lower BQSS planning and SIB-R community living skills and greater perseveration. Mediation analyses found that BQSS planning skills mediate the relationship between group and community living skills. Convergent findings of the BRIEF Planning, and discriminant findings with the BQSS Fragmentation, BRIEF Emotional Control, and Grooved Pegboard support the planning construct as the specific mediator in this model. Together, these findings highlight the role of planning skills in adaptive functions of young-adult survivors of childhood brain tumor.

Long‐term issues and supportive care needs of adolescent and young adult childhood brain tumour survivors and their caregivers: A systematic review

“…Six articles reported impaired daily functioning and/or functional living skills, survivor restrictions ranged widely in severity, with only a small minority reporting no limitation in daily activities . Qualitative work linked these restrictions to impaired cognitive functioning through difficulties with reading or handling finances, or managing medications .…”

“…Attentional deficits were particularly challenging because of their consequent impact on the development of other cognitive abilities, social functioning, and academic achievement . Evidence suggested that AYA survivors scored lower in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores and had limited mathematical skills . AYAs scored lower in IQ testing than population controls.…”

“…Some survivors suffered from impaired motor skills . Motor deficits contributed to social isolation and vocational limitation by restricting the types of activities open to survivors (ie, playing sports or writing) …”

“…Executive functions are a diverse set of cognitive processes broadly conceptualised according to four primary domains: decision making, planning (eg, organisation), purposive action (eg, set shifting—the ability to move back and forth between tasks), and effective performance (eg, preservation and goal maintenance). Survivors experienced poor executive functioning including planning/organising, preservation, set shifting, and flexibility . Survivors self‐reported less executive dysfunction in comparison with when their mothers reported symptoms (by proxy).…”

“…24 Physical issues, eg, headaches or impaired fitness, as well as cognitive deficits were linked to social functioning 21,31,32 and impacted on survivors' abilities to join in sports or hobbies. 32 Six articles reported impaired daily functioning and/or functional living skills, 22,31,[33][34][35][36] survivor restrictions ranged widely in severity, 33,34 with only a small minority reporting no limitation in daily activities. 36 Qualitative work linked these restrictions to impaired cognitive functioning through difficulties with reading or handling finances, or managing medications.…”