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Executive functioning in young delinquents: A systematic literature review
Nawal Ouhmad1, Nicolas Combalbert2
1Laboratoire de recherche de l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Police, Saint Cyr au Mont d'Or, France.
Acta Psychologica
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Juvenile delinquency is linked to poorer executive functioning, especially in self-regulation skills. Interventions should address cognitive and psychosocial factors for effective prevention and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Juvenile delinquency is a significant concern in justice systems.
- Executive functioning (EF) plays a critical role in behavioral regulation.
- Understanding the link between EF and offending is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the association between executive functioning and juvenile delinquency.
- To explore variations in this association based on offense type and developmental context.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines across major databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, etc.).
- Inclusion of empirical studies from 2000-2025 involving juvenile offenders and standardized EF assessments.
- Screening and eligibility assessment of 11 empirical studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Justice-involved youth exhibit poorer executive functioning (inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility) compared to controls.
- Executive deficits are more pronounced in violent offending and linked to broader self-regulation difficulties.
- Adverse developmental contexts (trauma, instability) can exacerbate executive dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Executive functioning deficits are significantly associated with juvenile offending, particularly in self-regulation.
- These deficits must be considered within broader developmental and environmental contexts.
- Interventions targeting cognitive processes and psychosocial factors are vital for prevention and rehabilitation.
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