scholarly journals Executive Functioning: Assessing the Role of Perceived Paranormal Ability

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Graham Drinkwater ◽  
Neil Dagnall ◽  
Andrew Denovan ◽  
Andrew Parker ◽  
Álex Escolà-Gascón
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ability Group ◽  
Paranormal Belief ◽  
Ability Groups ◽  
Group A ◽  
Perceptual Factors

This study examined whether scores on self-report measures of executive functions varied in accordance with level of self-professed paranormal ability. The investigators compared three groups varying in attribution of paranormal facilities: practitioners (Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists and Fortune-Tellers), self-professed ability and no ability. Consistent with recent research on cognitive-perceptual factors allied to delusional formation and thinking style, the researchers anticipated that practitioners would score higher on paranormal belief and self-reported executive function disruption. Correspondingly, the investigators also hypothesised that the self-professed ability group would demonstrate greater belief in the paranormal and higher levels of executive function disruption than the no ability group. A sample of 499 (219 males, 279 females) respondents completed the measures online. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found a large effect size, alongside significant differences on all variables apart from Cognitive Reappraisal. Pairwise comparisons indicated that Paranormal Belief increased as a function of level of ability; practitioners scored higher than self-professed, who in turn scored higher than the no ability group. For executive functioning, significant differences emerged only for the no ability vs. self-professed ability and no ability vs. practising groups. Collectively, outcomes indicated that perception of ability, regardless of intensity of paranormal conviction, influenced subjective appraisal of executive functions. Failure to find consistent differences between practitioner and self-professed ability groups suggested that discernment of ability was sufficient to heighten awareness of executive functioning disruptions.

Obsessive compulsive symptoms, social functioning and executive functions in chronic schizophrenia

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S386-S386 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Theochari ◽  
E. Tsaltas ◽  
D. Kontis
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms

IntroductionSchizophrenia leads to functional deficits. A third of schizophrenia patients have obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCSs). The existing studies, which have investigated the effect of OCSs on social functioning (SF) of schizophrenia patients have produced contradictory findings and, interestingly, they have not adjusted for the role of executive functioning.ObjectivesTo investigate the predictive role of OCSs on SF in schizophrenia controlling for the effects of executive functioning.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of 110 chronic schizophrenia patients we assessed OCSs (Yale-Brown Scale), SF (Strauss Carpenter Scale) and composite executive function (cognitive flexibility: Intra–extra dimensional set shifting task and planning: Stockings of Cambridge task) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). We also measured total symptoms (PANSS total scores) and illness duration. Regression analysis tested the predicting role of OCSs (YBOCS total score) on functioning taking into account executive function (composite score) duration of illness and schizophrenia symptoms.ResultsOCSs were associated with better SF (B = 0.099; 95% CI = 0.019, 0.180; t = 2.449; df = 88; P = 0.016). This result was driven by the association of OCSs with job functioning (B = 0.043; 95% CI = 0.006, 0.081; t = 2.289; df = 88; P = 0.024). Executive functions were not significantly associated with social functioning.ConclusionsOCSs and not executive functions are associated with social functioning in schizophrenia. Future studies should examine whether OCSs represent a compensatory mechanism aiming at preserving social functioning in the disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Predictive Influence of Executive Functions, Effortful Control, Empathy, and Social Behavior on the Academic Performance in Early Adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan P. Zorza ◽  
Julián Marino ◽  
Alberto Acosta Mesas
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Early Adolescents ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mediating Role

In this study, we explored the predictive role of behavioral measures of Executive Functions (EFs) and a self-report measure of Effortful Control (EC) on the academic performance of early adolescents. We also analyzed the mediating role of self-reported empathy and social behavior rated by peers (i.e., prosocial behavior and social preference) and by the lead teacher (i.e., social competence). A sample of 244 adolescents aged between 12 and 13 years participated in the study. The resulting structural equation model indicated that EFs and EC predict academic performance in a complementary and independent way. Results also confirmed the mediating role of empathy and social behavior. The final model explained 64% of academic performance. We discuss the appropriateness of obtaining complementary measures of EFs and EC in predictions of academic performance as well as the importance of introducing activities involving self-regulation, empathy, and socioemotional skills in the school setting.

Executive Functions in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Young Adults: A Comparison between Self-report and Neuropsychological Test Results

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Elisabeth Sølsnes ◽  
Jon Skranes ◽  
Ann-Mari Brubakk ◽  
Gro C.C. Løhaugen
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale

AbstractExecutive functions are goal-directed control mechanisms that modulate the operation of other cognitive processes. Preterm born very-low-birth-weight (VLBW: birth weight<1500 grams) children have more problems with attention/executive function than their term born peers. The objective of this study is to examine if VLBW young adults had more self-reported attention/ executive problems and lower neuropsychological test results than controls. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between self-reported attention/executive problems, general cognitive ability (IQ) and test results. Forty-two VLBW [mean birth weight 1237 (219) grams, and gestational age 29.3 (2.4) weeks] and 63 term born controls at age 19 years completed The BRIEF-A self-report of attention/executive functions in everyday life. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III was used to obtain IQ scores; subtests from Delis-Kaplan were used to assess attention/executive function. There were no differences between the VLBW young adults and controls on any of the BRIEF-A measures, but the VLBW subjects had lower scores on 8 of the 18 neuropsychological subtests (p<.01). Some correlations between BRIEF-A and the Stroop and TMT tests were found in the VLBW group. VLBW young adults do not report more problems regarding attention/executive function in daily life than controls despite lower results on several neuropsychological tests. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)

scholarly journals Developmental Differences in the Relationships Between Sensorimotor and Executive Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Gordon-Murer ◽  
Tino Stöckel ◽  
Michael Sera ◽  
Charmayne M. L. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Sensorimotor Function ◽  
Hand Coordination ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sensorimotor Performance

BackgroundThere is evidence that sensorimotor and executive functions are inherently intertwined, but that the relationship between these functions differ depending on an individual’s stage in development (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood).ObjectiveIn this study, sensorimotor and executive function performance was examined in a group of children (n = 40; 8–12 years), adolescents (n = 39; 13–17 years), and young adults (n = 83; 18–24 years) to investigate maturation of these functions, and how the relationships between these functions differ between groups.ResultsAdults and adolescents outperformed children on all sensorimotor and executive functions. Adults and adolescents exhibited similar levels of executive functioning, but adults outperformed adolescents on two sensorimotor functioning measures (eye-hand coordination spatial precision and proprioceptive variability). Regression analysis demonstrated that executive functions contribute to children’s sensorimotor performance, but do not contribute to adolescent’s sensorimotor performance.ConclusionThese findings highlight the key role that developmental stage plays in the relationship between sensorimotor and executive functions. Specifically, executive functions appear to contribute to more successful sensorimotor function performance in childhood, but not during adolescence. It is likely that sensorimotor functions begin to develop independently from executive functions during adolescence, and therefore do not contribute to successful sensorimotor performance. The change in the relationship between sensorimotor and executive functions is important to take into consideration when developing sensorimotor and executive function interventions.

scholarly journals Increasing smoking cessation adherence: Do we need to consider the role of executive function and rumination?

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Marianna Masiero ◽  
Mark Cropley ◽  
Gabriella Pravettoni
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Moderator Effects ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Directing Attention ◽  
Potential Moderator

Despite the cost and health consequences, a large number of people continue to smoke cigarettes worldwide every day. Notwithstanding, there have been a number of interventions to help people stop smoking but, in general, these have produced only limited success, and better interventions are needed. Accruing evidence affirmed that rumination and executive function play a pivotal role in cigarette smoking behavior, and in this editorial, we describe and discuss the key findings between these constructs and smoking, and argue that an impairment in executive functions does not act alone, but interacts with rumination by directing attention to depressive thoughts, thereby reducing the ability of smokers to engage in constructive behaviors, such as quitting smoking. Finally, we offer a new theory-driven model based on a deep understanding of the interactions between executive functions and rumination and potential moderator effects.

scholarly journals A-050 Association between Executive Functioning Performance and Resting State Connectivity in Pediatric Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 840-840
Author(s):  
Seghatol-Eslami V ◽  
Stewart A ◽  
Tucker T ◽  
Lee E ◽  
Reddy K ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Resting State Functional Connectivity ◽  
Left Dlpfc

Abstract Objective To explore differences between executive functioning (EF) and resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the executive control network (ECN) in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to healthy controls. Method ALL participants (age 9-18) from Children’s of Alabama Hospital were ≥ 5 years post-diagnosis treated with chemotherapy only. Eleven ALL survivors and twelve controls were administered the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Scale (D-KEFS) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2) self- and parent report. Using seed-to-voxel rs-FC analyses, we examined ECN regions (e.g., medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [MPFC; dlPFC]). Within group multiple regression analyses were conducted to correlate EF scores to rs-FC z-scores. Results No significant differences were found on EF scores between ALL and control groups. rs-FC analyses indicated ECN hyperconnectivity in ALL survivors compared to controls (p &lt; .05, FDR corrected). In ALL survivors, significant positive correlation was found between the average of Inhibit and Shift scores on the BRIEF-2 self-report and the MPFC (r = .926, p = .024), and negative correlation between D-KEFS Verbal Fluency and left dlPFC (r = −.869, p = .012). In controls, significant negative correlation was found between D-KEFS Design Fluency and left dlPFC (r = −.671, p = .012). Conclusions ALL survivors show hyperconnectivity of the ECN that is also correlated with both subjective and objective measures of EF. However, EF task performance was not significantly different between the two groups. This may indicate increased utilization of network regions to overcome network disruption specific to the ALL group in order to perform similarly to peers.

scholarly journals The Cyclical Relation Between Chronic Pain, Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, and Self-Management

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Line Caes ◽  
Bruce Dick ◽  
Christina Duncan ◽  
Julia Allan
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pain Experiences

Abstract Objective  To propose a new model outlining a hypothesized cyclical relation between executive functioning, emotional regulation, and chronic pain in adolescence and to highlight the likely importance of such a relation for self-management behavior and pain-related disability. Methods  A review of the existing literature that critically explores the role of executive functioning in understanding chronic pain experiences and self-management in adolescence in order to develop the Cyclical model Of Pain, Executive function, emotion regulation, and Self-management (COPES). Results  Growing evidence points towards a potential cyclical relation between chronic pain and impaired executive functioning, which forms the basis of COPES. The COPES model proposes that the relative immaturity of executive functioning in adolescence negatively influences their ability to engage with self-management, which in turn increases adolescents’ disability due to pain and contributes to the maintenance of chronic pain, which perpetuates the reduced capacity of executive functioning. The moderating influence of flexible parental support is hypothesized to offset some of these influences. However, the available evidence is limited due to methodological shortcomings such as large variety in executive functioning operationalization, reliance on self-report and cross-sectional designs. Conclusions  It is anticipated that the COPES model will stimulate more systematic, theory-driven research to further our understanding of the links between executive functioning, chronic pain, self-management, and wellbeing. Such enhanced understanding has the potential to drive forward intervention development and refinement aimed at improving self-management uptake and adherence amongst adolescents with chronic pain.

Adding the missing voice: How self-report of autistic youth self-report on an executive functioning rating scale compares to parent report and that of youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or neurotypical development

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110291
Author(s):  
Lauren Kenworthy ◽  
Alyssa Verbalis ◽  
Julia Bascom ◽  
Sharon daVanport ◽  
John F Strang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Youth Self Report ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Autistic People

Executive functions are related to key outcomes. Studies of autistic youth self-report of other nonsocial traits indicate that their insights into their own functioning and internal experiences provide important information that is not captured by their parents’ report, but youth self-report of executive function has not been researched in autism. We investigate self- and parent-report on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 in 197 autistic youth without intellectual disability, including the magnitude and profile of problems reported across subdomains of executive function. We also compare autistic self-report to that of 114 youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 197 neurotypical youth. We find that autistic youth report significant executive function challenges in comparison to neurotypical youth and a distinctive profile of challenges in comparison to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth. Parents and their autistic children diverge regarding the severity of the youth’s executive function difficulties, but both emphasize flexibility problems within their profile of executive function challenges. Intraclass correlation coefficients between parent and youth ratings were moderate to poor in the autistic group, indicating that autistic youth report adds important information beyond that captured by their parents’ report. These data elevate the importance of asking autistic youth directly about their own executive function. Lay abstract Executive functions are often impaired in autistic people and relate to important outcomes such as mental health, success in school and work, and quality of life. Evaluating executive functions helps autistic people, clinicians, and families identify targets for external supports and skill building. Youth self-report of executive function has not been studied, yet we know that self-report from autistic youth is key to understanding other cognitive/behavioral phenomena in autism such as anxiety, obsessions/compulsions, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors. We investigated self- and parent-report of executive function problems in 197 autistic youth without intellectual disability (ages 11–18 years), including the magnitude and profiles of executive function problems autistic youth report across subdomains of executive function. We compared autistic self-report with that of 114 youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without intellectual disability and 197 neurotypical youth. We found that autistic youth report significant executive function problems compared to neurotypical youth and a distinctive profile of challenges in comparison to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth. Parents and their autistic children diverged regarding the magnitude of the youth’s executive function difficulties, but both identify inflexibility as the most impaired executive function subdomain. Autistic youth and their parents were somewhat more concordant in their report of executive function problems than youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their parents, but only showed moderate concordance at best. These findings elevate the importance of asking autistic youth directly about their executive functioning when engaging them in assessment and intervention, or researching executive functions in autism.

8. Introduction to Executive Functions

Public Law ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 240-249
Author(s):  
Andrew Le Sueur ◽  
Maurice Sunkin ◽  
Jo Eric Khushal Murkens
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Legal Aspects

This chapter provides an overview of the themes covered in Part II of the book, consisting of Chapters 8-11. It addresses the following questions: What is executive function? What is the role of a constitution in relation to executive functions? It then summarizes the basic constitutional and legal aspects of the various executive bodies considered in Chapter.

Exercise is Effortful: Executive Functions Predict Strenuous Exercise in the Past Week

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 731-731
Author(s):  
R E Wong ◽  
F T Agate ◽  
E C Duggan ◽  
J K Karr ◽  
A D Carr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Strenuous Exercise ◽  
Fit Indices ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Order Four

Abstract Purpose Executive functions (EF) are a dynamic collection of complex cognitive processes governing volitional, goal-directed behaviour. EFs are particularly susceptible to environmental influences such as exercise or concussion. Exercise improves EF but it is unclear if having good EF improves exercise engagement habits. Expanding upon a previously derived higher-order, four-factor screener for executive behaviour problems (Duggan et al., 2018), we extracted a common EF factor using a bifactor structure and examined if self-reported executive difficulties predict weekly engagement in strenuous exercise. We also examined if a history of concussion affects self-ratings of executive difficulties. Methods 197 university students (Mean age=20.46; 79% female) completed the BASC-2-COL and self-report of concussion history and past 7-day exercise habits. An a-priori bifactor model of executive behaviour was established using CFA. Using SEM, the bifactor latent executive function was used to predict past 7-day exercise. Concussion history was used to predict variations in the bifactor executive function. Results Bifactor fit indices were not optimal but generally adequate (CFI=.897; TLI=.868; RMSEA=.037). Latent bifactor EF was predictive of past week strenuous exercise (p=.046). Concussion history was not predictive of EF problems (p=.296). Conclusion Results suggest that latent EF predicts recent strenuous exercise engagement. Baseline EF should be accounted for when examining the positive effects of exercise. Having a history of one or more concussions did not appear to influence current self-report of behavioral EF problems.

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