Associations between executive functions and negative emotions: A moderated mediation analysis of emotion regulation and gender

IF 4.9 2区医学 Q1 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Journal of affective disorders Pub Date : 2025-05-27 DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2025.119486

Xiaoliang Zhu , Yujie Wang , Shuyan Gao , Xiaoting Liu , Fujun Zhao , Xin Zhao

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Although the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and negative emotions has been well documented, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines the potential mediating role of emotion regulation and the moderating effect of gender through a moderated mediation model.

Methods

Participants included 604 university students (M_age = 19.05 years, SD = 1.09; 372 females). Inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility were assessed using the Go/No-Go task, the number running memory tasks (1750 ms and 750 ms), and the digit shifting task, respectively. Emotion regulation was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Chinese versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 and Mplus 8.3.

Results

Cognitive reappraisal mediated the relationship between working memory and anxiety and depression. Gender moderated the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and negative emotions. Specifically, cognitive reappraisal negatively predicted anxiety and depression only among female participants.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to the existing literature by clarifying the underlying mechanisms linking various subcomponents of EFs and negative emotions. The results underscore the pivotal role of emotion regulation, particularly cognitive reappraisal, and gender-specific pathways in understanding and improving university students' mental health.

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执行功能与负性情绪的关系：情绪调节与性别的中介分析

虽然执行功能（EFs）和负面情绪之间的关系已被充分记录，但其潜在机制尚不清楚。本研究通过一个有调节的中介模型来检验情绪调节的潜在中介作用和性别的调节作用。方法纳入604名大学生(Mage = 19.05 years, SD = 1.09；372女性)。抑制控制、工作记忆和认知灵活性分别通过Go/No-Go任务、数字运行记忆任务（1750 ms和750 ms）和数字移动任务进行评估。情绪调节采用情绪调节问卷进行测量。使用中文版的贝克焦虑量表和贝克抑郁量表来评估焦虑和抑郁。采用SPSS 29.0和Mplus 8.3对数据进行分析。结果认知重评在工作记忆与焦虑、抑郁的关系中起中介作用。性别对认知重评与负面情绪的关系有调节作用。具体而言，认知重评仅在女性参与者中负向预测焦虑和抑郁。结论我们的研究结果进一步阐明了情绪情绪各成分与负性情绪之间的联系机制。研究结果强调了情绪调节（尤其是认知重估）和性别特异性途径在理解和改善大学生心理健康方面的关键作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of affective disorders 医学-精神病学

CiteScore

10.90

自引率

6.10%

发文量

1319

审稿时长

9.3 weeks

期刊介绍： The Journal of Affective Disorders publishes papers concerned with affective disorders in the widest sense: depression, mania, mood spectrum, emotions and personality, anxiety and stress. It is interdisciplinary and aims to bring together different approaches for a diverse readership. Top quality papers will be accepted dealing with any aspect of affective disorders, including neuroimaging, cognitive neurosciences, genetics, molecular biology, experimental and clinical neurosciences, pharmacology, neuroimmunoendocrinology, intervention and treatment trials.