Peter Arnett
PROFESSOR, Department of Psychology | Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA, UNITED STATES
Peter Arnett is an expert in neuropsychology with a focus on multiple sclerosis and sports-related concussions.
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Industry Expertise (3)
Health and Wellness
Education/Learning
Mental Health Care
Areas of Expertise (4)
Sports-related Concussions
Multiple Sclerosis
Adult Clinial Neuropsychology
Depression in MS
Biography
Peter Arnett's research interests lie primarily in the area of adult clinical neuropsychology. Current research focuses on understanding neuropsychological consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Recent projects have evaluated neuropsychological correlates of depression in MS and factors (such as coping ) that may moderate the relationship between common symptoms of MS and depression. Recent studies have also explored the nature of depression in MS and how it differs from depression in non-neurological patient groups. Dr. Arnett also oversees the program on neuropsychological consequences of sports-related concussion for Penn State Athletics. This program involves baseline neuropsychological testing of first-year Penn State athletes involved in contact sports. When athletes experience concussions, they are re-tested and their postconcussion testing compared with baseline test results. This information is then used to assist return to play decisions. Current research from this program focuses on the influence of motivation on baseline performance, optimal ways of estimating baseline cognitive ability, and exploring the relative sensitivity of computerized versus paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests to concussion.
Education (1)
University of Wisconsin–Madison: Ph.D. 1992
Links (2)
Articles (4)
Beyond binary: Exploring the merits of three depression groups in multiple sclerosis.
Neuropsychology
Cadden, Margaret H., Meyer, Jessica E., Arnett, Peter A.
2017 Depression has been traditionally explored in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a binary construct (depressed, not depressed). However, given the 50% lifetime prevalence rate of depression in MS, it may be useful to consider not only currently depressed versus nondepressed patients, but to evaluate groups that better characterize the complexity of MS depression. The objective of the current study was to examine demographic, cognitive, illness, and psychosocial variables thought to associate with depression in MS across 3 groups: currently depressed, remitted depression, and never been depressed.
Normative Data for a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Battery used in the Assessment of Sports-Related Concussion
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
Victoria C. Merritt, Jessica E. Meyer, Margaret H. Cadden, Cristina A.F. Roman, Dede M. Ukueberuwa, Michael D. Shapiro, Peter A. Arnett
2017 The use of normative data is a hallmark of the neuropsychological assessment process. Within the context of sports-related concussion, utilizing normative data is especially essential when individualized baseline data are unavailable for comparison. The primary purpose of this study was to establish normative data for a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery used in the assessment of sports-related concussion. A secondary aim was to provide normative data for pertinent demographic variables relevant to the assessment of college athletes, including sex, previous head injuries (PHI), and history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/learning disability (LD).
The Influence of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Gene on Subacute Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Performance in College Athletes
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
Victoria C. Merritt, Amanda R. Rabinowitz, Peter A. Arnett
2017 The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ε4 allele of the APOE gene influences neurocognitive outcome following sports-related concussion. It was hypothesized that participants with an ε4 allele would show poorer neurocognitive performance and greater neurocognitive variability than those without an ε4 allele.
Evaluating the test–retest reliability of symptom indices associated with the ImPACT post-concussion symptom scale (PCSS)
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
Victoria C. Merritt , Megan L. Bradson, Jessica E. Meyer, and Peter A. Arnett
2017 The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a commonly used tool in sports concussion assessment. While test–retest reliabilities have been established for the ImPACT cognitive composites, few studies have evaluated the psychometric properties of the ImPACT’s Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS). The purpose of this study was to establish the test–retest reliability of symptom indices associated with the PCSS.
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