Shared and Unique Components of Executive Function as Predictors of Aggression Trajectories in High-Risk Adolescents

Aggression is a transdiagnostic indicator of psychopathology and one of the most common reasons for youth mental health referrals. Deficits in executive function are linked to aggression in youth, yet few longitudinal studies exist and fewer examine differential associations between components of executive function (inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility) and subtypes of aggression (reactive and proactive).

This preregistered study investigated longitudinal associations between shared and unique components of executive function and trajectories of reactive and proactive aggression over 18 months in adolescents at high risk for aggression (N = 103, M_age = 16.1, 53% female, 60% racial/ethnic minoritized groups). The NIHToolbox Cognition battery was used to assess components of executive function at baseline, and subtypes of aggression were measured using youth- and parent-report on the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire at baseline, 9-months, and 18-months. Trajectories of reactive and proactive aggression were modeled using latent growth curve modeling and associations between executive function and aggression were examined using structural equation modeling.

Trajectories of reactive and proactive aggression showed an overall decline across informants. Contrary to prediction, associations between executive function and aggression trajectories were specific to youth-reported proactive aggression and only found when examining associations with unique (versus shared) components of executive function. Specifically, lower inhibition was associated with steeper declines in proactive aggression and lower cognitive flexibility was associated with steeper increases in proactive aggression.

Findings underscore the importance of examining components of executive function, particularly inhibition and cognitive flexibility, in the development of subtypes of aggression among high-risk youth.