Executive Functioning and Conduct Problems in Youth with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Executive functioning (EF) impairment is a core feature of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
• The relationship between EF and conduct problems in youth with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) requires clarification.
• Understanding this link is crucial for addressing neurobehavioral challenges in FASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review clarifying the relationship between EF and conduct problems in youth with PAE.
• To identify research gaps, clinical implications, and future research directions.
• To synthesize existing literature on PAE, EF, and conduct problems.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed by a librarian.
• Screening of 1038 articles by title, abstract, and full-text review.
• Inclusion of 10 articles meeting eligibility criteria, following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Main Results:

• A link exists between PAE, EF, and conduct problems.
• EF mediates and moderates self-regulation, social cognition, and behavioral outcomes.
• Variability in measurement and construct definition hinders comparability of findings.

Conclusions:

• Further research with consistent measures is needed to understand the EF-conduct problem relationship in PAE.
• Clinical implications require consistent data for effective interventions.
• Future studies should focus on specificity and consistency in defining and measuring EF and conduct problems.