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ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8402-0329

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2020

Month Degree Awarded

May

Abstract

Individuals with a history of multiple concussions may be at risk for relative weaknesses in executive functioning and processing speed. These weaknesses could adversely influence academic skills and academic success. This study determined if the relative weaknesses in executive functions and processing speed mediate associations between multiple concussions and academic outcomes in university students. To achieve this aim, university students with a history of three or more concussions (n = 58) were compared to two control groups (ns = 57) on measures of executive functions, processing speed, academic skills, and academic success. Results indicated no significant differences between the groups on measures of executive functioning or processing speed. The multiple concussion group endorsed significantly more psychological symptoms, had a slower reading rate, and had a lower grade point average (GPA) than controls with no history of concussion. Executive functioning and processing speed did not mediate the associations between concussion status and academic skills or academic success. Future research should investigate other potential mediators, such as psychological symptoms, that may account for differences in academic skills and performance amongst students with multiple concussions.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/17714756

First Advisor

Rebecca Ready

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Harvey

Third Advisor

Amanda Marcotte

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