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. 2015;21(3):331-53.
doi: 10.1080/09297049.2014.906568. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Complementary assessments of executive function in preterm and full-term preschoolers

Irene M Loe  1 , Maya Chatav, Nidia Alduncin
Affiliations

Complementary assessments of executive function in preterm and full-term preschoolers

Irene M Loe et al. Child Neuropsychol. 2015.

Abstract

Executive functions (EFs) are interrelated cognitive processes that have been studied in relation to behavior, attention, academic achievement, and developmental disorders. Studies of EF skills assessed through parent report and performance-based measures show correlations between them ranging from none to modest. Few studies have examined the relationship between EF skills measured through parent report and performance-based measures in relation to adaptive function. The present study included preschool children born preterm as a population at high risk for EF impairments. Preschool children (N = 149) completed a battery of EF tasks that assess working memory, response inhibition, idea generation, and attention shifting or cognitive flexibility. Parents reported on children's EF and adaptive skills. Preterm children showed more parent-rated and performance-based EF impairments than did full-term children. The combined use of either parent report or performance-based measures resulted in the identification of a large number of children at risk for EF impairment, especially in the preterm group. Both parent report and performance-based EF measures were associated with children's adaptive function. EF skills are measurable in young child'ren, and we suggest that EF skills may serve as targets for intervention to improve functional outcomes. We recommend the use of both parent report and performance-based measures to characterize children's EF profiles and to customize treatment.

Keywords: Adaptive function; Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function; Executive function; Premature birth; Working memory.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percent of preterm and full-term children as a function of performance categories.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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