Developmental Trajectories of Verbal, Static Visual-Spatial, and Dynamic Visual-Spatial Working Memory

Working memory (WM) measures are routinely integrated into comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. However, there is little research regarding the underlying components of WM and their developmental trajectories. The current study examined the developmental trajectories of distinct WM components in a sample of 303 individuals ages 6 through 25 years. Consistent with previous research, results indicated an overall linear trajectory from childhood to adolescence; however, trajectories differed across specific content domains. Verbal working memory scores continued to increase linearly through at least early adulthood, and static visual-spatial working memory tapered off in late adolescence or early adulthood. In addition, dynamic visual-spatial working memory showed a slight decline in mid-adolescence before increasing again in early adulthood. The current findings regarding different trajectories for static vs. dynamic visual-spatial working memory provide suggestive evidence for expanding WM conceptualizations and assessments beyond verbal and visual tests. Applications of expanded WM assessments, including separate static and dynamic visual-spatial working memory measures in the comprehensive assessment, are discussed.