B-183: Beyond Cognitive Performance: A Systems Neuroscience Framework for Non-Cognitive Neurobehavioral Assessment

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a systems-neuroscience-informed framework for extending neuropsychological assessment beyond cognitive performance to include non-cognitive neurobehavioral functioning. Method/Data Selection: A systems-based item pool was developed from National Institute of Mental Health Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) constructs, emerging Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) revision priorities, and literature on affective, motivational, arousal-regulatory, social-cognitive, self-referential, sensorimotor, and cognitive-control systems. Pilot testing included 500 individuals: 52% male and 48% female, ages 16 to 54 years (M = 28, SD = 6). Internal consistency, factor structure, and concurrent validity were examined. Concurrent validity analyses compared system combinations with personality and mood-adjustment measures, including the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (n = 32), Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (n = 41), and Personality Assessment Inventory (n = 34). Results/Data Synthesis: System item composition demonstrated acceptable to excellent reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .68 to .97. Factor analysis showed that individual systems loaded on corresponding RDoC-informed categories. Concurrent validity analyses showed clinically coherent associations between system combinations and personality factors related to neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability, rule-consciousness, perfectionism, tension, apprehension, vigilance, social boldness, and dominance, as well as mood-adjustment domains involving anxiety, depression, activation/irritability, hypervigilance, affective instability, behavioral disinhibition, aggression, stress, social support, dominance, and warmth. Conclusions: Findings support the feasibility of a dimensional systems framework for organizing non-cognitive neurobehavioral assessment. The framework bridges systems neuroscience, RDoC-informed constructs, DSM-compatible interpretation, and practical test development. Additional studies should examine reliability and clinical utility in referred clinical samples.