A-16 Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) Scores are Associated with Pre-Reading Skills in Preschoolers

Abstract

Abstract Objective Executive function (EF) skills are an array of cognitive abilities that have been linked to future scholastic achievement. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) is used to assess EF in young children. The aims of the current study are to assess whether males and females differ in BRIEF-P scores, and to measure the relationship between EF and pre-reading skills. Method 11 typically developing males (M = 53.13 months, SD = 3.74) and 12 typically developing females (M = 54.71 months, SD = 3.14) participated in the study. Children completed a cognitive-linguistic battery, while parents completed the BRIEF-P. Independent sample t tests were employed to investigate differences between males and females, and Pearson correlations were employed to examine the relationship between BRIEF-P and cognitive-linguistic scores. Results Males scored significantly higher than females on the Blending Words subtest t(21) = 2.97, p = .007, 95% CI [5.83, 32.92]. Males and females also significantly differed in BRIEF-P scores: Shift t(21) = 6.43, p < .001, 95% CI [36.42, 71.26] and Emotional Control t(21) = 3.02, p = .006, 95% CI [11.44, 61.86]. In males, Blending Words was associated with Inhibit r = -.77, p = .005, Emotional Control r = -.75, p = .008, and Plan/Organize r = -.638, p = .035. In females, Memory for Digits subtest was associated with Inhibit r = -.632, p = .027, and Plan/Organize r = -.595, p = .041. Conclusions Male and female preschoolers differed in Blending Words, Shift, and Emotional Control. Interestingly, EF was associated with pre-reading measures in both males and females; however, EF measures were associated with Blending Words in males and Memory for Digits in females. This study adds to the body of research suggesting the importance of EF in early development.