Temporal bisection task as a predictor of cognitive deficits

Abstract

Evidence suggests that neuropsychiatric symptoms and deficits in attentional control and executive function can impair time discrimination, demonstrating the intricate link between cognitive processes, subjective well-being, and perception of time. However, the relationship between sleep quality and time discrimination remains elusive. This study aimed to understand differences in the temporal bisection task (TBT) performance. We expected that individuals with impaired cognition, executive function, quality of life, or sleep quality would have reduced time sensitivity. At the same time, those with stress, anxiety, or depression would show a shift in the point of subjective equality. Data were collected from 97 female participants (ranging from 20 to 72 years of age) in more than one moment, resulting in 163 measurements used for the analysis. Participants' neuropsychiatric status was assessed using a battery of tests and scales, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 items (DASS-21). The results showed that attention and executive control significantly affect time discrimination. In addition, the research indicated that better sleep quality is associated with improved time discrimination sensitivity.