A Review of the Use of Executive Function Tasks in Externalizing and Internalizing Disorders

Abstract

Executive function (EF) is a complex construct that encompasses a variety of cognitive abilities that allow for impulse control, strategic planning, cognitive flexibility, and goal-directed behavior. Executive functions have been studied in nearly every major childhood disorder including externalizing and internalizing disorders. A universally accepted definition of EF does not exist, and many have criticized the broad definitions of the construct. For example, Pennington and Ozonoff (1996) noted, “in both neuropsychology and cognitive psychology, the definition of EFs is provisional and under-specified” (p. 55). Fletcher (1996) also acknowledged that EFs are difficult to define and described EFs as “factorially complex.” More recently, Jurado and Rosselli (2007) acknowledged that the fundamental question of “whether there is one single underlying ability that can explain all the components of executive functioning or whether these components constitute related but distinct processes” remains unanswered. To complicate matters, a large variety of tasks that purportedly measure executive functions have been used in the literature. What remains unclear is specifically which executive function tasks are used most often in the literature and on which executive tasks are groups most likely to differ? Hence, the purpose of this review is to conduct a systematic search of the childhood internalizing and externalizing literature to determine (a) executive function tasks that are used in the literature, (b) executive function tasks that are most commonly used, (c) executive function tasks on which clinical and control groups differ most frequently, and (d) executive function tasks on which clinical groups differ most frequently. To begin, a review will be provided regarding executive function performance of children with commonly diagnosed externalizing and internalizing disorders. Next, specific findings regarding the type, usage, and discriminant ability of executive function tasks will be presented followed by implications and suggestions for future research.