The Short Executive Function Scale: Psychometric properties and normative data in a U.S. population sample

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Executive functions are crucial cognitive processes.
• Self-report questionnaires offer ecologically valid insights into executive functions.
• The Short Executive Function Scale (SEFS) is a new 15-item measure assessing Planning, Inhibition, Working Memory, Shifting, and Emotional Control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the psychometric properties of the SEFS.
• To confirm the proposed five-factor structure of the SEFS.
• To establish normative reference data for the SEFS in the general U.S. population.

Main Methods:

• 747 U.S. adults were recruited online.
• Participants completed the 15-item SEFS.
• Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analyses were conducted.
• SEFS scores were analyzed against sociodemographic variables and mental health screening results.

Main Results:

• The SEFS five-factor model demonstrated adequate fit (CFI=0.913, RMSEA=0.086).
• All SEFS scales and the total score exhibited acceptable reliability (omega coefficients ranging from 0.67 to 0.82).
• Sociodemographic variables showed minimal association with SEFS scores.
• Significant medium-to-large differences in SEFS scores were observed between individuals with and without mental health condition screens (d range: 0.50–2.13).

Conclusions:

• The SEFS is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing self-reported executive functions in the general U.S. population.
• The study provides normative data for interpreting SEFS scores.
• The SEFS is a practical tool for researchers and clinicians to evaluate executive functions, particularly noting its sensitivity to mental health status.