Psychosocial Predictors, Higher Body Mass Index, and Aspects of Neurocognitive Dysfunction

This longitudinal (22 yr.) study examined several psychosocial predictors of higher than normal recommended Body Mass Index and aspects of neurocognitive dysfunction in a community-based sample of 470 participants interviewed in private during childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood. Included were 5 psychosocial measures: Internalizing Behaviors (i.e., symptoms of internal distress), Educational Expectations and Aspirations (i.e., components of cognitive functioning), Impulsivity (i.e., emotional control), Body Mass Index (a measure of weight by height), and Aspects of Neurocognitive Dysfunction (e.g., memory). Results, based on Structural Equation Modeling., indicated that earlier Internalizing Behaviors, Low Educational Expectations and Aspirations, and Impulsivity predict greater Body Mass Index. Greater than normal Body Mass Index in the early 30s is associated with later Aspects of Neurocognitive Dysfunction in the middle 30s. Adolescent Internalizing Behaviors are also associated with Aspects of Neurocognitive Dysfunction in the middle 30s. Public health implications suggest increasing education about diet, health, and exercise to lessen or avoid aspects of neurocognitive dysfunction. Clinical implications suggest the importance of providing appropriate prevention and intervention for people with internalizing behaviors, impulsivity, and greater than recommended Body Mass Index.