Emotion Regulation Strategy Use In Veterans With Subjective Cognitive Complaints In A Neuropsychology Clinic

Abstract Objective Neuropsychological evaluations reveal individuals with both objective and subjective cognitive complaints. Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) are often related to potentially modifiable factors, such as mood. One proposed treatment for cognitive complaints is to focus on emotion regulation rather than cognitive rehabilitation. This project examines acceptability and feasibility from the perspective of participants, and determines participant understanding of the relationship between mood and cognition following a brief, one session emotion regulation intervention. Method Two study authors interviewed a subgroup of participants enrolled in a larger longitudinal intervention study about their understanding of the impact of mood on cognitive functioning, the acceptability of the intervention, and ease of using the provided strategies. Study authors then used inductive coding to identify common themes in participants’ responses. Results Preliminary results reveal the following themes: 1. Participant understanding that current cognitive concerns are related to modifiable factors (e.g., sleep, pain, emotional distress) rather than damage to brain structures or a neurodegenerative process. 2. Participants’ need for attentional and memory strategies to consistently use emotional regulation strategies day to day as well as participate fully in adjunctive psychological treatment. 3. Post-intervention awareness of high levels of everyday rumination. Conclusion Individuals with SCCs are amenable to psychological intervention, particularly when delivered with a brain-behavior explanation of how modifiable factors contribute to cognitive difficulties. In order to most successfully apply these strategies, participants may also benefit from targeted cognitive strategies to improve their use of emotion regulation strategies.