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Working Memory Deficits, Emotional Regulation and ADHD

The Journal of Attention Disorders published research on working memory deficits, emotional regulation, and ADHD.  Previous research indicates that emotional regulation is related to the development and refinement of executive functions, such as inhibition, planning, and working memory.

The Journal of Attention Disorders published research on working memory deficits, emotional regulation, and ADHD.  Previous research indicates that emotional regulation is related to the development and refinement of executive functions, such as inhibition, planning, and working memory.

Methodology of the Study

This study investigated the functional relationship between varying working memory demands and ADHD-related emotion regulation deficits. The researchers coded overt emotion regulation behaviors while 68 children (ages 8-12) with and without ADHD completed experimental tasks that manipulated low and high working memory demands.

Some of the emotion regulation behaviors that were observed were negative emotion, negative self-talk, self-praise, and shut down.

Results of the Study on Working Memory Deficits

When comparing the typically developing children and children with ADHD, data analysis revealed that children with ADHD exhibited:

  • large-magnitude overall emotion expression deficits.
  • disproportionately greater self-criticism during high working memory conditions.
  • disproportionately greater positive emotion expression during low working memory demand conditions.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that working memory demands may be functionally related to emotional regulation deficits displayed by children with ADHD.  These working memory deficits may explain the variability of emotion regulation difficulties related to environmental demands.

Reference: Tarle, S. J., Alderson, R. M., Arrington, E. F., & Roberts, D. K. (2019). Emotion Regulation and Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Effect of Varying Phonological Working Memory Demands. Journal of Attention Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054719864636

More Resources for Working Memory

Working memory is a part of short-term memory that allows us to hold and use information in our minds for brief periods of time.  It is used when a student needs to think and remember at the same time.  You can get a working memory practice exercise for your students below. Dr. Erica Warren, a learning specialist, and educational therapist created the Working Memory, Hemisphere Integration and Attention Building Bundle which includes 2 digital downloads that offer cognitive remedial tools to strengthen working memory, attentional skills, mental flexibility, and processing speed.

Working Memory Practice Exercise Free Download

Sign up to receive the weekly email newsletter and other announcements from Your Therapy Source.  You will be redirected to the free download.  If you can not view the sign-up box, email us at info@yourtherapysource.com and reference the freebie and we will email it to you.

The Working Memory, Hemisphere Integration and Attention Building Bundle includes fun NO PREP activities have been created by Dr. Erica Warren, a learning specialist, and educational therapist.

Read more on working memory:

What is working memory and hemisphere integration?

Exercise and Working Memory in School Children

10 Tips for Written Expression for Students with Working Memory Deficits

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