Greater attention problems during childhood predict poorer executive functioning in late adolescence.
Attention problems (behavior problems including inattention, disorganization, impulsivity, and hyperactivity) are widely thought to reflect deficits in executive functions (EFs). However, it is unclear whether attention problems differentially relate to distinct EFs and how developmental stability and change predict levels of EFs in late adolescence. We investigated, in an unselected sample, how teacher-rated attention problems from ages 7 to 14 years related to three correlated but separable EFs, measured as latent variables at age 17. Attention problems at all ages significantly predicted later levels of response inhibition and working memory updating, and to some extent set shifting; the relation to inhibiting was stronger than the relations to the other EFs or IQ. Growth models indicated that attention problems were quite stable in this age range, and it was the initial levels of problems, rather than their changes across time, that predicted later EFs. These results support the hypothesis that attention problems primarily reflect difficulties with response inhibition.
Friedman
Naomi P
NP
Institute for Behavioral Genetics, 447 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. naomi.friedman@colorado.edu
Haberstick
Brett C
BC
Willcutt
Erik G
EG
Miyake
Akira
A
Young
Susan E
SE
Corley
Robin P
RP
Hewitt
John K
JK
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014427:Twins / Q000523:psychology