Adult Dyslexia Traits as Predictors of Hot/Cool Executive Function and Prospective Memory Abilities

Background/Objectives: Executive functioning (EF) and prospective memory (PM) dif-ficulties have been documented in adults with developmental dyslexia. However, re-search has tended to focus on university students with a formal diagnosis, overlooking adults who may experience symptoms of dyslexia without ever being formally diag-nosed. The present online study aimed to investigate the effects of dyslexia traits on EF and PM in a larger, community-based sample by prioritizing the use of self-report measures that include and differentiate between underexplored aspects of EF and PM in the dyslexia literature. Methods: One hundred and eighty adult volunteers, of a wide range of ages, were included in the final analysis. Participants completed four well-established self-report questionnaires assessing dyslexia and ADHD sympto-matology, as well as everyday experiences of five distinct EFs, PM and PM strategies. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for age and ADHD symptomatology, more self-reported dyslexia traits were associated with more frequent EF problems overall and lower confidence in PM abilities. Elevated dyslexia symptomatology was significantly associated with self-reports of more difficulties with time-management, organization and self-restraint, but not with more difficulties with motivation and regulation of emotion. No significant associations were found between dyslexia symptomatology and the self-reported use of PM-enhancing strategies. Conclusions: The findings are considered in the light of potential metacognition deficits and theoretical and practical implications are discussed.