The Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Reported Executive Function and Mental Health in Early Adolescence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Executive function is crucial for adolescent mental health, yet longitudinal links are not well understood.
• This study investigates the relationship between self-reported executive function and mental health outcomes in adolescents.
• Potential gender differences in this relationship are also explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal association between self-reported executive function and adolescent mental health.
• To identify specific executive function skills that most strongly predict mental health outcomes.
• To explore potential gender differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal cohort study involving 8,072 adolescents aged 11-15 in the UK.
• Data collected at three time points using validated measures for executive function (BRIEF-2) and mental health (WEMWBS, SDQ, CES-D).
• Mixed-effects regression models analyzed the relationship between executive function measures and mental health outcomes over time.

Main Results:

• Improved executive function, particularly emotional self-regulation (emotional control, planning), was associated with better mental health over one year.
• Associations were significant for well-being, social-emotional-behavioral difficulties, depression risk, and suicidality.
• The strength of associations varied by specific executive function skill, mental health outcome, and gender.

Conclusions:

• Better executive function is longitudinally associated with better adolescent mental health.
• Emotional self-regulation, specifically emotional control and planning, represents a promising target for mental health interventions in adolescents.
• Further research should explore the nuanced role of specific executive function skills and gender in mental health outcomes.