The moderating effect of estimated pre-morbid IQ on the relationship between neuropsychological status and subjective well-being after brain tumour

Tamara Ownsworth; Toni Dwan; Suzanne Chambers; David G Walker; David H K Shum

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.12.008

The moderating effect of estimated pre-morbid IQ on the relationship between neuropsychological status and subjective well-being after brain tumour

J Psychosom Res. 2014 Mar;76(3):257-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.12.008. Epub 2013 Dec 30.

Authors

Tamara Ownsworth¹, Toni Dwan², Suzanne Chambers³, David G Walker⁴, David H K Shum²

Affiliations

¹ School of Applied Psychology and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: t.ownsworth@griffith.edu.au.
² School of Applied Psychology and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
³ School of Applied Psychology and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia; Cancer Council Queensland, Australia; Health and Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University, Australia; Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Australia.
⁴ Newro Foundation and Briz Brain & Spine, Brisbane, Australia.

PMID: 24529047
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.12.008

Abstract

Objective: People with brain tumour experience complex and distressing symptoms. Neuropsychological impairment is proposed to have a negative impact on subjective well-being; however, research is yet to examine the influence of estimated premorbid IQ on this relationship. This preliminary study investigated the moderating effect of estimated premorbid IQ on the relationship between global neuropsychological status (GNF) and depression and quality of life.

Methods: 73 adults (51% male) aged 21-65 years with primary brain tumour (52% benign) were administered a test battery assessing estimated premorbid IQ, GNF, depression (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, FACT).

Results: A series of two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlling for education found a significant interaction between estimated premorbid IQ (low average to average vs high average) and GNF (low vs high) on levels of depression (p < .05) and FACT emotional well-being (p < .05). For these outcomes, individuals with high average estimated premorbid IQ and low GNF reported better well-being than those with low-average to average estimated premorbid IQ and low GNF. Higher GNF was related to greater functional well-being (p < .01) irrespective of estimated premorbid IQ.

Conclusion: The finding that higher premorbid cognitive ability buffers the effect of neuropsychological impairment on emotional well-being after brain tumour advances understanding of the role of cognitive reserve in adjustment to neurological disorders.

Keywords: Brain tumour; Emotional well-being; Neuropsychological impairment; Quality of life and cognitive reserve.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Brain Neoplasms / physiopathology*
Brain Neoplasms / psychology*
Female
Humans
Intelligence Tests
Intelligence*
Male
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Quality of Life
Young Adult