(PS1-C55) The Relationship Between Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Social Problem Solving

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), previously referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo, (SCT), is represented by a set of symptoms that have been found to be associated with emotional, social, and daily life impairments. CDS symptoms are highly related to, but distinct from ADHD, and several studies suggest that CDS may fit better under the internalizing domain of psychopathology. Indeed, CDS is related to anxiety and depression and uniquely related to associated functional impairments. The way in which one solves problems in their daily life is associated with experiences of further problems, such that maladaptive problem solving can lead to further physical and psychological problems.
 

This study aimed to evaluate the unique relationship between CDS and problem solving approaches when controlling for other relevant behavioral (i.e., inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and affective (i.e., anxiety and depression) symptoms. College students (N = 280) completed online measures of psychopathology symptoms and social problem solving. Correlation analyses revealed that CDS symptoms were positively related to maladaptive problem solving processes, including negative problem orientation (r = .53, p< .001), impulsivity/carelessness style (r = .32, p< .001), avoidance style (r = .44, p< .001) and negatively related to positive problem solving (r = -.21, p< .001). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that CDS remained significantly related to negative problem orientation and avoidance style when controlling for relevant demographic and psychopathology symptoms. Specifically, CDS accounted for 2% of the variance in the model predicting negative problem solving, F (6, 273) = 29.60, p< .001, and accounted for 1% of the variance in the model predicting avoidance style, F (6, 273) = 19.35, p< .001.
 

The current study adds to the growing literature regarding the unique nature of the CDS construct. The findings highlight the importance of considering maladaptive problem solving processes as a mechanism in the association between CDS and internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) in future longitudinal research.