Developmental cascades linking executive functions with internalizing and externalizing problems in early childhood through early adolescence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Difficulties in executive functions (EFs) and internalizing and externalizing problems are prospectively related. However, it remains unclear whether the bidirectional relations between specific EF components and internalizing and externalizing problems at the within-person level vary across developmental stages in childhood and early adolescence.

Methods

This study utilized data from seven waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-2011 (ECLS-K: 2011), following a nationally representative sample of 15,055 children (mean age at baseline = 5.63 years, SD = 0.37; age range = 4.02-7.83) from kindergarten through fifth grade. Internalizing and externalizing problems and inhibitory control were assessed using teacher-reported measures,

SUBMITTER: Zhou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12315661 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature