Work

Executive Dysfunctions Across Adulthood: Measurement Properties and Correlates of the DEX Self-Report Questionnaire

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Difficulties in executive processes can disturb daily life functioning. Using data obtained from two independent community-dwelling samples (n(1) = 468, n(2) = 669, 18-97 years), we examined the factor structure of the Dysexecutive Functioning Questionnaire (DEX) and explored the frequencies and potential correlates of self-reported executive difficulties. Our results revealed that executive problems are parsimoniously described with one underlying factor. Everyday executive dysfunctions were moderately frequent throughout adulthood. Reports of executive problems were associated with individual difference characteristics including age, subjective health, personality, affect, and cognition. We also found that, although executive functions are known to decline with advancing adult age, younger age groups reported more problems than older groups, an effect that was partially mediated by a negative affect factor. We discuss implications for the validity of the instrument as well as directions for future research on executive functioning difficulties in everyday life.

Source: Aging Neuropsychology and Cognition

DOI: 10.1080/13825580701640374

Authors: Denis Gerstorf, Karen L. Siedlecki, Elliot M. Tucker-Drob, Timothy A. Salthouse

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, University of Virginia

Language: English

Topic: Historical and Modern Theater Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Virginia, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health