Cognitive fatigue

In the present study we investigated which role manipulated (i.e., experimentally induced) and perceived (i.e., self-reported) self-con- trol depletion plays in students’ (N¼176 seventh graders) achievement-related experiences and behaviour during a test of English as a foreign language, while controlling for trait self-con- trol. Our successful experimental manipulation of self-control depletion revealed that there were no effects on any of the stu- dents’ outcome variables. However, students who reported high self-control depletion immediately after the experimental manipu- lation were less motivated to work on the subsequent test, reported more distracting thoughts, showed lower performance, and felt more depleted at the end of the test session. Trait self- control turned out to be a protective and supportive factor for most of our outcome variables. Our results provide evidence that the perceived and not the manipulated level of self-control deple- tion is a predictor of achievement-related behaviour in tests on English as a foreign language.

Although enormously beneficial, self-regulation often proves to be enormously difficult.  The typical explanation for such difficulty has been that people's capacity for self-regulation is limited and depletes with use, hindering sustained regulation.  However, recent findings challenge this capacity view, suggesting instead that people's shifting experiences with and motivations for continued self-regulation better explain why regulation so frequently fails.  This chapter integrates such findings, and several emerging theoretical perspectives developed to explain them, into an integrated model of self-regulation based on processes of motivated effort-allocation.  The model incorporates three main components: (a) assessments of motives to engage in self-regulation; (b) allocations of effort and attention based on these motives; and (c) monitoring of the consequences of this allocation, which then triggers a reassessment of motives and begins the cycle anew.  After presenting the details of the model, the chapter reviews its implications for capacity views of self-regulation and future research on improving regulation.

Sustained cognitive demands may result in cognitive fatigue (CF), eventually leading to decreased behavioral performance and compromised brain resources. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) would counteract the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of CF. Twenty young healthy participants were tested in a within-subject counterbalanced order across two different days. Anodal tDCS (real vs. sham) was applied over the left prefrontal cortex. In the real tDCS condition, a current of 1.5 mA was delivered for 25 min. Cortical oxygenation changes were measured using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) on the frontal cortices. CF was triggered using the TloadDback task, a sustained working memory paradigm that allows tailoring task demands according to each individual’s maximal cognitive capacity. Sustained cognitive load-related effects were assessed using pre- versus post-task subjective fatigue and sleepiness scales, evolution of performance accuracy within the task, indirect markers of dopaminergic activity (eye blinks), and cortical oxygenation changes (fNIRS) both during the task and pre- and post-task resting state periods. Results consistently disclosed significant CF-related effects on performance. Transcranial DCS was not effective to counteract the behavioral effects of CF. In the control (sham tDCS) condition, cerebral oxygen exchange (COE) levels significantly increased in the right hemisphere during the resting state immediately after the induction of CF, suggesting a depletion of brain resources. In contrast, tDCS combined with CF induction significantly shifted interhemispheric oxygenation balance during the post-training resting state. Additionally, increased self-reported sleepiness was associated with brain activity in the stimulated hemisphere after recovery from CF during the tDCS condition only, which might reflect a negative middle-term effect of tDCS application.

In understanding the basis of Cognitive Neuroeducation (CNE), a new paradigm in the goal of full recovery from cognitive and behavioral disorder, a review of its antecedents is important. CNE evolved from the revolutionary breakthrough modality of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET), which, at the time of its development, presented a whole new approach to intervention in cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. CNE has evolved considerably from CET, incorporating newer understandings of behavioral outcomes from the synthesis of the leading research in neuroscience, psychology, human evolution and the social sciences, emerging as a second-generation modality building from the seminal foundations laid by CET. This paper describes those foundations by introducing CET through a summary of its origins, principles, curriculum and legacy of demonstrated efficacy.

Listening effort helps explain why people who are hard of hearing are prone to fatigue and social withdrawal. However, a one-factor model that cites only effort due to hardness of hearing is insufficient as there are many who lead happy lives despite their disability. This paper explores other contributory factors, in particular motivational arousal and pleasure.
The theory of rational motivational arousal predicts that some people forego listening comprehension because they believe it to be impossible and hence worth no effort at all. This is problematic. Why should the listening task be rated this way, given the availability of aids that reduce its difficulty? Two additional factors narrow the explanatory gap. First, we separate the listening task from the benefit derived as a consequence. The latter is temporally more distant, and is discounted as a result. The second factor is displeasure attributed to the listening task, which increases listening cost.
Many who are hard of hearing enjoy social interaction. In such cases, the actual activity of listening is a benefit, not a cost. These people also reap the benefits of listening, but do not have to balance these against the displeasure of the task. It is suggested that if motivational harmony can be induced by training in somebody who is hard of hearing, then the obstacle to motivational arousal would be removed. This suggests a modified goal for health care professionals. Don’t just teach those who are hard of hearing how to use hearing assistance devices. Teach them how to do so with pleasure and enjoyment
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Our aim was to fi nd out the relationship of cognitive/somatic fatigue, sensitivity to punishment (SP)/sensitivity to reward (SR) (Gray) with ideas of reference (IR), and to analyze the mediator role of SP/SR between cognitive/somatic fatigue and IR. The sample was comprised of 79 patients and 329 controls, evaluated with the Referential Thinking Scale (REF), the Fatigue Scale (CFQ) and the SP/SR Questionnaire (SPSRQ). The Baron and Kenny (1986) model and the Preacher and Hayes (2008) procedure were used to test mediation. The model explains 42% of the variance. The direct effect decreased signifi cantly, mainly for SP, and the analysis of the indirect effect is valid for SP but not for SR. Cognitive and somatic fatigue predispose IR (Kretschmer) with participation of the SP system which may act as a mediator, more than a moderator. Cognitive/somatic fatigue may activate a system alerting of aversive (social) stimuli and thus increase the IR. Keywords: Ideas of reference; mental fatigue; cognitive fatigue, sensitivity to punishment; sensitivity to reward; behavioral activation/approach system; behavioral inhibition system. Kretschmer revisitado: Fatiga mental e ideas de referencia. Contribuciones desde la teoría de la sensibilidad al refuerzo Resumen: Se analiza la relación entre la fatiga cognitiva/somática y las sensibilidades al castigo (SC)/recompensa (SR) (Gray) con las ideas de referencia (IR). Se estudia el papel mediador/moderador de los procesos SC/SR entre la fatiga cognitiva/somá-tica y las IR. La muestra fueron 79 pacientes y 329 controles, evaluados con la Escala de IR (REF), Escala de Fatiga (CFQ) y Cuestionario de SC/SR (SPRSQ). Se utilizó el modelo de Baron y Kenny (1986) y el procedimiento de Preacher y Hayes (2008). El modelo explica un 42% de la varianza. El efecto directo disminuyó y el análisis del efecto indirecto es válido para la SC pero no para la SR. La fatiga cognitiva y somática predisponen a las IR (Kretschmer), con la participación de la SC, pudiendo ser más moderadora que mediadora. Quizá la fatiga cognitiva y somática activen un sistema sobre los estímulos (sociales) aversivos y se incrementen las IR.

Ego depletion, an influential social psychology theory that has been applied in auditing research, is currently in crisis following unsuccessful attempts to replicate the phenomenon. I summarize the questions surrounding ego depletion as a phenomenon and the strength model of self-control as its theoretical explanation. Existing evidence suggests depletion is a real phenomenon, but that its effect is likely overstated in prior literature. However, it seems that the strength model is not the best theoretical explanation for depletion. To provide a path forward to continue investigating this phenomenon, I describe four alternative theories from prior literature. Highlighting motivation as a common thread in these theories, I then propose a new theory that views ego depletion as transient cognitive fatigue. Finally, I discuss opportunities for future research in auditing, best practices for the design of these studies, and meta-lessons that accounting researchers can take from crises in psychology research.

Ego depletion, an influential social psychology theory that has been applied in auditing research, is currently in crisis following unsuccessful attempts to replicate the phenomenon. I summarize the challenges to ego depletion as a phenomenon and to the strength model of selfcontrol as its theoretical explanation. Existing evidence suggests depletion is a real phenomenon, but that its effect is likely overstated in prior literature. However, it seems that the strength model is not the best theoretical explanation for depletion. To provide a path for auditing researchers to continue investigating this phenomenon, I describe four alternative theories from prior research and suggest a fifth that views ego depletion as a type of transient cognitive fatigue. Finally, I highlight opportunities for future research on depletion in auditing, provide best practices for the design and conduct of these studies, and discuss meta-lessons that accounting researchers can take from crises in psychology research.

A small but notable number of individuals who suffer a concussion report ongoing cognitive difficulties. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of repetitive test application to discern cognitive impairment in those with ongoing symptoms. Methods: Participants (n = 17) with continuing self-reported symptoms following a concussion (∼9 months postinjury) were compared with 17 age group matched controls for working memory and word-list learning. Results: Both groups performed similarly after the first trial for both assessments. However, in subsequent trials, the postconcussion group performed significantly worse than controls. Discussion: While further studies to understand the mechanisms are warranted, data from this preliminary study suggest that a repetitive test application may be useful to discern cognitive fatigue in individuals who report ongoing concerns following a concussion.

Ego depletion, an influential social psychology theory that has been applied in auditing research, is currently in crisis following unsuccessful attempts to replicate the phenomenon. I summarize the challenges to ego depletion as a phenomenon and to the strength model of self- control as its theoretical explanation. Existing evidence suggests depletion is a real phenomenon, but that its effect is likely overstated in prior literature. However, it seems that the strength model is not the best theoretical explanation for depletion. I describe an alternative theory that views ego depletion as a type of transient cognitive fatigue to provide another path for auditing researchers to continue investigating this phenomenon. Finally, I highlight opportunities for future research on cognitive fatigue in auditing, provide best practices for the design and conduct of these studies, and discuss lessons that accounting researchers can take from crises in psychology research.

A small but notable number of individuals who suffer a concussion report ongoing cognitive difficulties. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of repetitive test application to discern cognitive impairment in those with ongoing symptoms. Participants (n=17) with continuing self-reported symptoms following a concussion (~9 months post-injury), where compared to 17 age group matched controls for working memory and word-list learning. Both groups performed similarly after the first trial for both assessments. However, in subsequent trials the post-concussion group performed significantly worse than controls. Whilst further studies to understand the mechanisms are warranted, data from this preliminary study suggests that a repetitive test application may be useful to discern cognitive fatigue in individuals who report ongoing concerns following a concussion.

Background: Clinical research stresses the importance of cognitive
variables for predisposition, onset, and especially, perpetuation of perceived
fatigue. The aim was to analyze the mediating effects of emotional
symptomatology (somatic, depressive and anxiety) between anticipatory
fatigue and perception of physical and cognitive fatigue. Methods: The
sample was composed of 317 participants (29% from a clinical population)
aged 18 to 76. Anticipatory fatigue and perception of fatigue were measured
by fatigue scales. Emotional symptoms were assessed by the General
Health Questionnaire, GHQ-28. Results: Depressive symptomatology
mediated the relationship between anticipatory fatigue and cognitive
fatigue in both groups, and also somatic symptoms/somatization in
patients. The indirect effect of physical fatigue was observed only in
the clinical group, with depressive symptoms partially mediating the
anticipatory fatigue and cognitive fatigue relationship. Conclusions:
Anticipatory fatigue has a partial indirect effect on total physical fatigue,
and full indirect effect on cognitive fatigue, mediated by depressive and
somatic symptoms. Anticipatory fatigue is a relevant cognitive factor in
the design of psychological intervention for improvement of cognitive and physical fatigue.

Kurzban and colleagues propose that experiences of effort alter motivations to persist during goal pursuit by highlighting costs of persistence. I expand this proposal by discussing how effort experiences (a) not only influence, but can be influenced by motivations to persist on a goal; and (b) not only highlight costs that undermine persistence, but can also signal progress and increase persistence.