Work

The role of socioeconomic status in shaping associations between sensory association cortex and prefrontal structure and implications for executive function

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with widespread differences in structure of temporal, parietal, occipital, and frontal cortices. Development of sensory processing regions—in particular visual association cortex (VAC) and auditory association cortex (AAC)—may scaffold development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Experiences that correlate with SES like cognitive stimulation and language may influence VAC and AAC development, in turn allowing the PFC to resolve conflicts between similar stimuli. SES-related differences in these regions may partly explain differences in executive function (EF) skills. Here, we use structural equation modeling of longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study to test the hypothesis that SES-related differences in AAC and VAC are associated with differences in structure of the PFC and development of the PFC over time, which in turn are associated with development of EF. We found partial support for this model, demonstrating that SES-related differences in PFC structure are mediated by differences in sensory cortex structure, and that SES-related differences in sensory cortex structure mediate the association between SES and EF. These findings highlight the role sensory processing regions play in SES-related differences in PFC development. Future studies should explore proximal environmental factors driving SES-related differences to inform interventions. • Socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to structure of the cortex. • Development of sensory association cortex may explain differences in prefrontal cortex (PFC). • SES-related differences in brain structure may explain differences in executive functions (EF). • We show that structure of visual and auditory cortex mediates SES-related differences in PFC. • We also show that SES-related differences in EF are mediated by structure of auditory cortex.

Source: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2025.101550

Authors: Maya L. Rosen, Divyangana Rakesh, Rachel R. Romeo

Institutions: Smith College, King's College London, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650