Adults born small for gestational age at term face unique challenges related to executive functioning, as revealed by the latest research from Norwegian scientists. A prospective cohort study led by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has found notable differences in executive function between adults born small for gestational age (SGA) compared to their peers born at a typical weight. While performance on executive function tasks was poorer among the SGA group, their self-reported executive functioning appeared similar to controls, with the exception of emotional regulation.
The study assessed 56 adults born SGA and 68 non-SGA controls, evaluating their executive functions at 32 years of age through the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A). The results indicated significant challenges for the SGA group, who took longer to complete certain tasks on the TMT, which tests various aspects of executive functioning, including visual scanning and letter sequencing. Specifically, SGA participants took 1.6 seconds longer for visual scanning and 3.9 seconds longer for letter sequencing compared to their control group counterparts.
Despite these performance discrepancies, self-reports indicated similar levels of executive functioning for both groups, except for emotional control. The SGA group had higher scores on the Emotional Control scale of the BRIEF-A, indicating difficulties regulating emotions. This phenomenon highlights the often-observed disconnect between performance-based measures and self-reported experiences of executive functions.
The rationale behind this study stems from previous conflicting research about cognitive abilities of SGA individuals, leading to questions about long-term cognitive outcomes tied to this condition. Individuals born SGA often exhibit increased risks of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and psychiatric disorders throughout their lifespan, making it imperative to understand their cognitive functioning.
Researchers recruited participants as part of the NTNU Low Birth Weight in a Lifetime Perspective study, which has followed individuals from birth through adulthood. The current phase of research collected data from September 2019 to January 2021, utilizing objective measures, including the TMT for executive function assessments.
Statistics from the TMT revealed distinct performance differences, aligning with previous findings highlighting executive function deficits among adults born SGA. These results also echo earlier studies conducted on similar demographics, emphasizing the challenges faced over time. While many individuals reported feeling capable, the reliance on self-report measures over objective tasks can mask underlying struggles.
Overall, the findings not only contribute to the growing body of literature on the effects of being born SGA on adult cognitive functioning but also suggest the necessity for improved awareness and intervention strategies directed at enhancing emotional regulation skills. With SGA births comprising about ten percent of the population, the research holds significant public health relevance, underscoring the lasting impacts of low birth weight, even for those born at term.
The study elucidates the need for continued research focused on the long-term cognitive effects of being born SGA. Understanding these cognitive aspects will enable healthcare providers to develop more effective support and intervention strategies for this demographic.