Self-report measures of executive function problems correlate with personality, not performance-based executive...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Executive function is crucial for daily activities.
• Self-report measures of executive problems are common but their validity is debated.
• The relationship between self-reported executive problems, personality, and objective cognitive performance needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between self-reported executive function problems, personality traits, and objective neuropsychological test performance.
• To determine if self-report measures accurately reflect objectively measured executive function in nonclinical samples.

Main Methods:

• Three independent correlational studies were conducted with nonclinical participants.
• Multiple measures of personality and self-reported executive function problems were utilized.
• Performance on objective executive function tests (e.g., Trail Making, Fluency, Digit Span) was assessed.

Main Results:

• Self-reported executive problems showed significant correlations with neuroticism and low conscientiousness (medium to large effect sizes).
• No significant correlations were found between self-reported executive problems and performance on objective executive function tests.
• Personality, particularly neuroticism, appears to influence self-perceptions of executive problems.

Conclusions:

• In nonclinical populations, self-report questionnaires for executive problems may not serve as reliable proxies for objectively measured executive function.
• Personality factors significantly influence how individuals report experiencing executive difficulties.
• Findings suggest caution when interpreting self-reported executive problems without considering objective performance and personality variables.