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

Executive functioning impairment is a core neurobehavioral feature of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) across all diagnostic frameworks and can result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Executive functioning (EF) is also associated with conduct problems, although the precise relationship between the variables in youth with PAE remains unclear. The primary aim of this scoping review is to clarify the relationship between executive functioning and conduct problems in youth with PAE based on existing literature. The secondary aim of the scoping review is to identify gaps in existing literature, provide clinical implications, and guide future research. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology and reported in alignment with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted by a librarian. Search terms were developed collaboratively by the research team and the librarian and were informed by a preliminary review of relevant titles and abstracts. 1038 articles were screened based on titles, abstracts, and full-text review by a second independent researcher and any discrepancies were resolved collaboratively. 10 articles met full eligibility criteria and were included in the scoping review. Based on existing literature, there is a link between PAE, EF, and conduct problems, with EF serving to mediate and moderate self-regulation, social cognition, and behavioral outcomes. However, variability in measurement and construct definition compromises comparability of findings. As such, future research is needed to increase consistency and specificity to further understand the relationship between EF and conduct problems.