Fractionation of the dysexecutive syndrome in a heterogeneous neurological sample: Comparing the Dysexecutive Questionnaire and the Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire

Abstract

Primary objective: Research on the ecological validity of neuropsychological tests of executive functioning has been limited by disagreement in the number and make-up of the factors underlying the dysexecutive syndrome. The current study sought to determine whether similar components of everyday executive dysfunction are being measured by the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) and the Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire (BAFQ).Research design: Using the same sample, a factor analysis of the DEX and the BAFQ was conducted to determine whether a similar underlying factor structure for the dysexecutive syndrome would be found across measures.Methods and procedures: The significant others of 46 adults with varying neurological conditions completed the DEX and BAFQ.Main outcomes and results: Behavioural inhibition, goal-directed behaviour/intentionality and executive memory/cognition were found to be key underlying factors of the everyday dysexecutive syndrome identified by both measures. The remaining factors were divergent.Conclusions: Consistent with prior research, this study indicates that the dysexecutive syndrome is multi-factorial. This research further highlights core factors associated with real world executive functioning deficits and demonstrates that the dysexecutive syndrome has distinct sub-components that transcend the specific questionnaire measure used.