Self-Rated Executive Function: Development of the Executive Function Index

Abstract

There are several self-rating executive function (SREF) measures in existence that were developed solely in clinical populations or which sample a limited range of executive functions. The Executive Function Index (EFI) was developed here in a normal population with five subscales derived through factor analysis: Motivational Drive, Strategic Planning, Organization, Impulse Control, and Empathy. The content of three second order factors is consistent with the functions mediated by dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, and medial prefrontal circuits. Intrascale reliability and demographic relationships are reported as well as strong correlations with other SREF measures validated in clinical and neuroimaging studies. This brief measure provides a quick and efficient means of collecting data in large samples in order to test hypotheses regarding the role of prefrontal systems in various aspects of behavior and to corroborate findings of other methods, such as objective tests and functional neuroimaging.

Associations Between Impulsivity and Body Dissatisfaction in Females at Risk for Developing Eating Disorders

“…Executive Function Index (EFI) (Spinella 2005) The EFI consists of 27 questions that assess an individual's executive functions in daily life. The individual answers each of the 27 questions on a 4 point scale, with "NOT AT ALL" and "VERY MUCH" as the two extremes.…”

“…The present study used the Executive Function Index (Spinella 2005) as a measure of impulsivity. However, executive functioning is just one measure used to account for impulsivity.…”

The Effect of Anxiety on the Cognitive Functioning in Non-clinical Schizotypal Individuals

“…The current study used a shortened version of the EFI, consisting of 27 questions. The original EFI is a 41-item self-report measure, where participants rate their answers on a five-point Likerttype scale (Spinella 2005). Executive functioning displays cognitive abilities that are related to goal-oriented and planned behavior.…”

“…The EFI also assesses for social conduct, such as socially inappropriate behaviors and conversational conduct. Impulse control levels assess risk-taking behaviors and motivational drive is used for individual activity level (Spinella 2005).…”

Prevalencia, comorbilidad y correlatos psicológicos de la compulsividad sexual

“…inhibición conductual, control de impulsos, memoria de trabajo verbal y no verbal, regulación afectiva y motivacional, activación conductual, planificación, organización, toma de decisiones, juicio guiado por evidencias, monitorización de actividades, atención, solución de problemas, generación de hipótesis, pensamiento abstracto y flexibilidad cognitiva (Homack, Lee, & Riccio, 2005;Lezak, 2004;Spinella, 2005).…”