Emotional well-being of adults with Down syndrome: a transdiagnostic insight

Abstract

Introduction. Different studies show high rates of psychopathological disorders, such as anxiety or depression, in adults with Down syndrome (DS). In addition, some variables such as executive functions (EF) and emotion regulation (ER), essential elements in adaptive behavior, present deficits in these people. Method. This study aimed to investigate the influence of EF and ER on the development of internalizing symptoms (depression and anxiety) in adults DS. DEX, ERC and PIMRA-II questionnaires were used with a sample of 40 adults to determine whether difficulties in executive functions and emotional regulation are related to the appearance of internalized symptoms in this population. Results. Results show the association between EF, ER and depression and anxiety. Likewise, there is a relation between internalizing symptomatology and life events such as the death of a familiar. Discussion. Intervention in ER and EF should be considered to prevent the appearance of internalized symptoms and the development of emotional disturbances. More research is needed to intervene in both capacities in a more comprehensive way, especially with regard to emotion regulation.

Keywords

• funciones ejecutivas
• regulación emocional
• síndrome de down
• sintomatología internalizada