Estrogen As A Mediator of the Relationship Between Multi-Tasking and Executive Functions

Abstract

Other studies have shown an effect of estrogen on working memory. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of estrogen levels and menstrual cycle phase on multi-tasking, processing speed and verbal reasoning. Participants completed the multitasking assessment (MTAT) to measure the cognitive domains multitasking taps, such as executive function (attention and reasoning) and spatial abilities (perspective taking and navigation). In addition, participants completed two stress scales: The Perception of Academic Stress (PAS) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) to measure their stress levels. Participants also completed a Digital Symbol Coding Task (DSCT) that measures cognitive abilities in multitasking. A Verbal Reasoning Test was also given to participants that measures their verbal reasoning abilities as well as attentional skills.
We expect to find that at points during the menstrual cycle where estrogen was high, multi-tasking performance, processing speed and verbal reasoning task performance was improved compared to times during the cycle when estrogen levels were low. This study is ongoing; we hope to examine sources of variability in cognitive function – particularly executive functions such as reasoning and attention, that are associated with prefrontal cortical activity – that are sensitive to cycling hormones in females.

Details

Session 1

9:30am – 11:00am

Grand Salon