The role of executive functions, social cognition and intelligence in predicting social adaptation of vulnerable populations

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the roles of and interactions between cognitive processes that have been shown to exhibit impact from socioeconomic status (SES) and living conditions in predicting social adaptation (SA) in a population of adults living in socially vulnerable conditions. Participants included 226 people between the ages of 18 and 60 who have been living in vulnerable contexts throughout life in Santiago, Chile. Data was collected through a battery of psychological assessments. A structural equation model (SEM) was implemented to examine the interrelationships among cognitive and social variables. Results indicate a significant relationship between executive function (EF) and SA through both social cognition (SC) and intelligence. Theory of Mind (ToM), a component of SC, was shown to exhibit a significant relationship with affective empathy; interestingly, this was negatively related to SA. Moreover, fluid intelligence (FI) was found to exhibit a positive, indirect relationship with SA through crystallized intelligence (CI). Evaluation of these results in the context of research on the impacts of SES and vulnerable living conditions on psychological function may allow for the development of more effective clinical, political, and social interventions to support psychosocial health among socially vulnerable populations.

The impact of loneliness and social adaptation on depressive symptoms: Behavioral and brain measures evidence from a brain health perspective

“…Cognitive control and social cognition are core aspects of social adaptation ( Huepe et al, 2011 ; Samadi and Sohrabi, 2016 ; Neely-Prado et al, 2019 ). This is consistent with recent conceptualizations of social adaptation as a dynamic process encompassing the accommodation own thoughts and behaviors based on social norms and expectations ( Londono and McMillan, 2015 ; Neely-Prado et al, 2021 ; Schulte et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Loneliness is associated with increased depressive symptoms due to dysfunctional cognition, self-regulation ( Tong et al, 2021 ; Steen et al, 2022 ), alterations in white matter (WM) structures associated with social cognition ( Nakagawa et al, 2015 ) and cognitive control ( Lam et al, 2021 ). However, the negative impact of loneliness can be minimized by social adaptation, defined as appropriate social functioning in line with social norms and expectations ( Londono and McMillan, 2015 ; Neely-Prado et al, 2021 ; Schulte et al, 2022 ). Social adaptation can reduce depressive symptoms through increased social support ( Berkman and Glass, 2000 ; Heinrichs et al, 2003 ; Cohen, 2020 ), enhanced self-esteem ( Denissen et al, 2008 ; Joseph and De Guzman, 2021 ), exposure to stimulating environments ( Jopp and Hertzog, 2010 ; Stevens et al, 2021 ), and enhancement of cognitive and brain reserve ( Darwish et al, 2018 ; Zhao et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Social adaptation can buffer against the impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms, thereby preserving brain health. Social adaptation encompasses various aspects of social functioning, such as interaction with others, interest in sociocultural activities, leisure time, and environmental mastery ( Londono and McMillan, 2015 ; Neely-Prado et al, 2019 ; Schulte et al, 2022 ). These aspects may protect against depression-related impairments such as coping difficulties, affected cognition, negative mood, and helplessness.…”

Moving beyond the lab: investigating empathy through the Empirical 5E approach

“…Furthermore, several studies have shown neural strategies for self-other distinction, which is a critical mechanism to distinguish between our experience and that of others ( Decety, 2020 ). Based on this neuroscientific framework, the neural basis of empathy has been essential in understanding social cognition in clinical populations ( Smith, 2009 ; Derntl et al, 2012 ), people with social vulnerability ( Schulte et al, 2022 ), healthcare professionals ( Decety, 2020 ), as well as the use of empathy training in the general population ( Klimecki et al, 2014 ), and social interventions in educational and health contexts ( Smith et al, 2017 ).…”

Slow-wave brain connectivity predicts executive functioning and group belonging in socially vulnerable individuals

“…As a result, their social adaptation (SA) is hindered (Schulte et al, 2022). The cumulative number and intensity of stressors experienced by these individuals, coupled with their inadequate access to stress management resources, contribute to conditions that are conducive to poor mental health and chronic stress (Evans & France, 2022;Evans & Kim, 2010).…”