Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in typically developed children: Is spatial memory associated with visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol?. Issue 5 (14th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandez‐Baizan, Cristina; Nuñez, Paula; Arias, Jorge L.; Mendez, Marta
• Is Part Of: Brain and behavior. Volume 10:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-03-14
• Subjects: allocentric -- children -- cortisol -- egocentric -- spatial memory; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-3279

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Spatial orientation relies mainly on two frameworks. The egocentric depends on our own position and point of view. The allocentric relies on remembering, recalling, and recognizing environmental stimuli called landmarks. The aim of this study was to analyze the egocentric and allocentric spatial memory performance in children of different ages using two experimental memory card‐placing tasks. We also aimed to examine relationships between spatial memory and other cognitive, physiological, and behavioral factors that, potentially, could be associated with spatial memory performance. Those were other visuospatial functions, the regular behavior of the child, cortisol levels, and daily life spatial memory. Methods: We assessed 62 children (5, 6, and 7 years) using card‐placing tasks. We used RIST for IQ evaluation and subtest from NEPSY‐II for visuospatial ability assessment. Collection of saliva sample was carried out for cortisol analysis. Parents completed BASC questionnaire for behavioral evaluation and ECM‐Q questionnaire for daily life spatial memory evaluation. Results: Our results showed that older children performed better on mental rotation. Directionality, map interpretation, and daily memory were directly associated with both egocentric and allocentric orientation. Egocentric performance was positively related to leadership abilities but negatively to depression and atypicality, while allocentric performance was directly associated with adaptive behavior but inversely with hyperactivity. Finally, cortisol values were positively associated with allocentric performance. Conclusions: Our study shows the development of different spatial abilities between 5 and 7 years, as well as the relationship between orientation performance, visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol. Abstract : The aim of this study was to analyze the egocentric and allocentric spatial memory performance in children of different ages using two experimental memory card‐placing tasks and to examine relationships between spatial memory and other cognitive, physiological, and behavioral factors that could potentially be associated with spatial memory performance, such as other visuospatial functions, the regular behavior of the child, cortisol levels, and daily life spatial memory. Our study shows the development of different spatial abilities between 5 and 7 years of age, as well as the relationship between orientation performance, visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol.