Predictive associations of executive functions and oppositional defiant problems and obsessive-compulsive problems in preschoolers
Zevedei, Denisa (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut)
Penelo Werner, Eva (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut)
Navarro, José-Blas (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut)
Osa, Nuria de la (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut)
Ezpeleta, Lourdes (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut)
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Grup de Recerca Unitat d'Epidemiologia i de Diagnòstic en Psicopatologia del Desenvolupament

Date:	2025
Description:	21 pàg.
Abstract:	Oppositional defiant problems (ODP) and obsessive-compulsive problems (OCP) may co-occur in children, though the way they interact is not known. The aim of the study was to examine longitudinal associations between executive functions at age 3 and ODP, ODP dimensions, and OCP at age 6. The sample consisted of 622 preschoolers (50% were boys) from the general population. Executive functions were assessed by teachers using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning - Preschool version questionnaire when children were 3 years old, and ODP and OCP were informed by parents and teachers at the age of 6 years. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that higher Inhibit and Emotional Control and lower Shift deficits were associated with higher ODP reported by teachers, while higher Shift but lower Inhibit deficits were related to higher OCP. Moreover, ODP and OCP shared difficulties on the Flexibility Index, which means that the capacity to modulate emotions and behavior according to contextual and environmental demands is compromised in both disorders. The findings inform etiology and prevention, pointing out not only the executive function specificities related to each problem, but also common cognitive challenges related to Flexibility. Young children could benefit from training and programs designed to improve executive function processes at an early age to prevent later behavioral difficulties.
Grants:	Agencia Estatal de Investigación PGC2018-095239-B-I00
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Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Cognition ; Headstrong ; Irritability ; Flexibility ; Psychopathology
Published in:	Child Neuropsychology, Vol. 31, Num. 3 (2025) , p. 371-390, ISSN 0929-7049

DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2024.2380393

Postprint 33 p, 546.2 KB

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