Genetic and Environmental Associations Between Processing Speed and Executive Functions Across Adolescence and
Mohini A Karhadkar1,2, Naomi P Friedman3,4, Chandra A Reynolds3,4
1Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA. Mohini.Karhadkar@colorado.edu.
Behavior Genetics
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Processing speed (PS) and executive functions (EFs) are distinct yet highly correlated cognitive abilities. Genetic and environmental influences on PS and EFs remain stable from adolescence to adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Processing speed (PS) and executive functions (EFs) are crucial cognitive abilities impacting life outcomes.
- Understanding the longitudinal relationship and shared influences between PS and EFs is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between processing speed and multiple executive functions across adolescence and established adulthood.
- To examine the stability of genetic and environmental influences on PS and EFs over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study, including 797 individuals (twins).
- Participants completed tasks measuring processing speed and various executive functions at different age points.
- Employed correlational and genetic analyses to assess relationships and heritability.
Main Results:
- Processing speed showed strong stability and high correlation with a common factor of executive functions from adolescence to adulthood.
- Specific executive function factors in adolescence predicted later processing speed, but not vice versa.
- Both processing speed and common executive functions were highly heritable and genetically correlated across the developmental period.
Conclusions:
- Processing speed and executive functions are distinct but strongly related cognitive constructs.
- Genetic and environmental influences on PS and EFs show remarkable stability from late adolescence into established adulthood.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the directional predictive relationships between specific executive function components and processing speed.
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