Adult Dyslexia Traits as Predictors of Hot/Cool Executive Function and Prospective Memory Abilities.

Background/

Objectives

Executive functioning (EF) and prospective memory (PM) difficulties have been documented in adults with developmental dyslexia. However, research has tended to focus on university students with a formal diagnosis, overlooking adults who may experience symptoms of dyslexia without ever being formally diagnosed. The present online study aimed to investigate the effects of dyslexia traits on EF and PM in a larger, community-based sample by prioritising the use of self-report measures that include and differentiate between underexplored aspects of EF and PM in the dyslexia literature.

Methods

One hundred and eighty adult volunteers of a wide range of ages were included in the final analysis. Participants completed four self-report questionnaires with good pedigrees assessing dyslexia traits and ADHD symptomatology, as well as everyday experiences of five distinct EFs, PM and PM strategies.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for age and ADHD symptomatology, more self-reported dyslexia traits were associated with more frequent EF problems overall and lower confidence in PM Abilities. Elevated dyslexia traits were significantly associated with self-reports of more difficulties with time-management, organisation and self-restraint, but not with more difficulties with motivation and regulation of emotion. No significant associations were found between dyslexia traits and the self-reported use of PM-enhancing strategies.

Conclusions

The findings are considered in the light of potential metacognition deficits and theoretical and practical implications are discussed.