Understanding Neurocognitive Impairment After Trauma Exposure

Assessed with the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire Minimum score = 0, maximum score = 100, higher scores reflect worse subjective cognitive function

Global cognitive composite will average Z-scores across the cognitive domains of (i) verbal learning and memory, (ii) visuospatial learning and memory, (iii) psychomotor speed, (iv) executive function, (v) working memory, (vi) sustained attention, and (vii) emotion processing. The Global cognitive composite score will be a single, averaged Z-value score, with a higher score reflecting better objective cognitive performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Verbal Learning and Memory', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Groton Maze Learning Test (CogState) will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Visuospatial Learning and Memory', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Timed Chase Test (CogState), Trail Making Test - Part A, and Digit Symbol Coding Test will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Psychomotor speed', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Trail Making Test - Part B and Category Fluency will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Executive function', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Digit Span Test will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Working memory', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Continuous Performance Test will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Sustained attention', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Z-scores from variables of the Facial Expression Recognition Test and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test will be averaged to create a singe Z-score for the domain of 'Facial emotion processing', with higher scores reflecting better performance.

Assessed with the Ruminative Responses Scale Minimum score = 25, maximum score = 100, higher scores reflect more severe rumination

Assessed with the Metacognitions Questionnaire - 30-item version Minimum score = 30, maximum score = 120, higher scores reflect more problematic metacognitive beliefs Minimum score = 25, maximum score = 100, higher scores reflect more severe rumination

Assessed with the Social Adjustment Scale Minimum score = 1, maximum score = 5, higher scores reflect worse psychosocial functioning

Number of stressful life events is assessed with the Life Events Scale (adapted from the Crisis in Family Systems - Revised Questionnaire) Minimum score = 0, higher score reflects more stressful life events

Assessed with the COVID Psychosocial Impacts Scale (CPIS) Minimum score = 0, maximum score = 135, higher scores reflect more severe impact of COVID

Assessed with the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)

Assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)

Blood levels of HbA1C, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (calc), triglycerides

Blood levels of CRP

Blood levels of progesterone, LH, FSH, testosterone, SHBG (females only)

Data will already be available from the CHDS database from birth to present, on the following relevant factors:

• Childhood physical and emotional health
• Childhood physical and sexual abuse
• Previous stressful life event history
• Lifetime mental health disorders
• Traumatic brain injury
• Environmental toxin exposure
• Substance use
• Personality factors (neuroticism, extraversion, novelty-seeking)
• Educational achievement and IQ
• Lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise
• Parental functioning measures in childhood, including parental attachment and overprotection
• Family functioning measures including parental maladaptive behaviour and illicit drug use, family instability, parental intimate partner violence
• Trauma exposure in adulthood (including Christchurch earthquakes and Mosque shooting)
• Menstrual history to identify those in early menopause The exact variables to be used for this study, and how they are to be aggregated, are TBC.