Executive functioning profiles in adolescence: Using person-centered approaches to understand heterogeneity

Abstract

The current study investigated patterns in executive functioning (EF) skills in adolescents (N = 991; 48.8% male; 81% White; mage = 14.91) and examined how EF profiles were associated with adolescent wellbeing. Eight EF skills, comprising foundational, complex, and affective EF, were assessed via self-rated EF, parent-reported EF, and neuropsychological tasks. A latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed four distinct EF profiles representing unique constellations of higher, lower, or mixed performance across all eight EF skills. When compared across domains, profiles characterized by higher foundational and complex EF skills exhibited positive, contemporaneous associations with academics, mental health, and health behaviors. Profiles characterized by discordant or mixed performance also exhibited unique strengths, such as positive peer relationships. Findings indicate that person-centered approaches to examining EF may reveal important sources of heterogeneity that have functional significance for health and wellness.