Electrophysiological Approaches in the Study of the Influence of Childhood Poverty on Cognition

Abstract

The influence of adverse environmental conditions on the organization and reorganization of the brain structure and function involves distinct neural systems at different levels of organization. Electroencephalographic (EEG) measures provide precise evidence on the temporal sequence in which relevant cognitive processes occur. Here, we offer a systematic review of EEG studies on the influence of childhood poverty on cognitive development. The paradigms used focused primarily on correlates of inhibitory control, selective attention, and unrelated task-event activity. Eighteen studies reported differences related to socioeconomic disparities, including (a) discrepancies in neural markers of interference control and early auditory sensory processing and (b) delays in the maturation of brain oscillations in frontal regions. Overall, EEG techniques appear to have predictive power over cognitive and academic performance of children. Therefore, EEG markers may be useful to evaluate the efficacy of interventions aimed to enhance cognitive development in children facing unfavorable social conditions.