Executive functions, impulsivity, and inhibitory control in adolescents: A structural equation model

Abstract

Background. Adolescence represents a critical period for brain development, addressed by neurodevelopmental models to frontal, subcortical-limbic, and striatal activation, a pattern associated with rise of impulsivity and deficits in inhibitory control. The present study aimed at studying the association between self-report measures of impulsivity and inhibitory control with executive function in adolescents, employing structural equation modeling. Method. Tests were administered to 434 high school students. Acting without thinking was measured through the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, reward sensitivity through the Behavioral Activation System, and sensation seeking through the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personali- ty Questionnaire. Inhibitory control was assessed through the Behavioral Inhibition System. The performance at the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task indicated executive function. Three models were specified using Sample Covariance Matrix, and the estimated parameters using Maximum Likelihood. Results. In the final model, impulsivity and inhibitory control predicted executive function, but sensation seeking did not. The fit of the model to data was excellent. Conclusions. The hypothesis that inhibitory control and impulsivity are predictors of executive function was supported. Our results appear informative of the validity of self-report measures to examine the relation between impulsivity traits rather than others to regulatory function of cognition and behavior.

Hot and Cool Executive Function in Elite- and Amateur- Adolescent Athletes From Open and Closed Skills Sports

“…Thus, our findings confirm the results of Poon (2018), who found no significant relationship between Hot and Cool EF measures in a group of 12 to 17-year-old boys and girls. However, our results do not confirm the findings of Fino et al (2014), that impulsivity is a predictor of EF. With regard to the question why there is no influence of sports type and performance level, several explanatory approaches be worth considering.…”

“…In this regard, Romer (2010) and Romer et al (2017) respectively subdivide impulsivity into the three forms sensation seeking, impatience and acting without thinking, the last two being related to low EF. Fino et al (2014) also confirm the interaction between impulsivity and EF by showing that impulsivity is a predictor of EF in college students. In particular, acting without thinking, also known as motor impulsivity (Romer et al, 2009), seems to be important in sports, as it means a weak ability to consider different alternatives in, e.g., complex game situations or to be "mindless" at a party the night before an important competition.…”

Human Capital and Administrative Burden: The Role of Cognitive Resources in Citizen‐State Interactions

“…In contrast, individuals who grew up in higher‐SES environments took fewer risks and displayed lower impulsivity and stronger preference for delayed rewards. Impulsivity (e.g., Fino et al ; Romer et al ), temporal discounting (e.g., Boyle et al ), and behavioral disinhibition (e.g., Barkley ) are all characteristics associated with low executive functioning.…”

Abnormal gray matter volume and impulsivity in young adults with Internet gaming disorder

“…Self‐reporting impulsiveness has been found to be highly correlated with executive functions and inhibitory control capacity in adolescents and youth (Enticott, Ogloff & Bradshaw ; Fino et al . ). Furthermore, functional imaging studies have suggested that high impulsivity in IGD closely correlates with abnormalities in brain regions underlying executive control (Ding et al .…”