title: Executive functions and social competence in young children 6 months following traumatic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in young children on executive functions and social competence, and particularly on the role of executive functions as a predictor of social competence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were drawn from a prospective, longitudinal study. Participants were children between the ages of 3 years 0 months and 6 years 11 months at time of injury. The initial sample included 23 with severe TBI, 64 with moderate TBI, and 119 with orthopedic injuries (OI). All participants were assessed at 3 and 6 months postinjury. Executive functions were assessed using neuropsychological tests (Delayed Alternation task and Shape School) and parent ratings on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Child Behavior Questionnaire. Parents rated children's social competence on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales, and Home and Community Social Behavior Scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children with severe TBI displayed more negative outcomes than children with OI on neuropsychological tests, ratings of executive functions, and ratings of social competence (η² ranged from .03 to .11). Neuropsychological tests of executive functions had significant but weak relationships with behavioral ratings of executive functions (ΔR² ranged from .06 to .08). Behavioral ratings of executive functions were strongly related to social competence (ΔR² ranged from .32 to .42), although shared rater and method variance likely contributed to these associations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Severe TBI in young children negatively impacts executive functions and social competence. Executive functions may be an important determinant of social competence following TBI.
authors.affiliation: The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Kalaichelvi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ganesalingam
authors.forename: Keith Owen
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Yeates
authors.forename: H Gerry
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Nicolay Chertkoff
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Walz
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stancin
authors.forename: Shari
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012919:Social Behavior