Work

Longitudinal profiles of executive functioning from infancy to 5 years of age—A FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study design: Observational Study

Abstract: Methodological challenges diminish the number and reliability of longitudinal studies on executive functions (EFs) starting in infancy. To address this, the current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine EF task performance across three age points: 8 months, 2.5 years, and 5 years. Participants were children (N = 830; 55.5% boys; > 95% White) from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Three profiles were identified: constant below average EF profile (14.2%), and two average EF profiles differentiated by Spin the Pots performance (working memory) at 5 years (above average 29.8%, below average 56%). Expected associations between the below average EF profile, male sex, and lower general cognitive performance were found, further supporting the validity of the profiles.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1093/chidev/aacaf053

Authors: Anniina Karonen, Pauliina Juntunen, Akie Yada, Fiia Takio, Elisabeth Nordenswan, Eeva Eskola, Kirby Deater-Deckard, David J Bridgett, Michelle Fernandes, Elina Mainela-Arnold, Hasse Karlsson, Linnea Karlsson, Eeva-Leena Kataja, Riikka Korja, Saara Nolvi

Institutions: University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, University of Jyväskylä, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Nevada, Reno, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320

Funders: Yrjö Jahnssonin Säätiö, Academy of Finland, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Jane ja Aatos Erkon Säätiö, Juho Vainion Säätiö, Signe ja Ane Gyllenbergin Säätiö, Emil Aaltosen Säätiö, OLVI-Säätiö, Jenny ja Antti Wihurin Rahasto, Strategic Research Council

Awards: Right to Belong: Tackling Loneliness and Ostracism during Childhood and Youth (R-to-B), G147008912, G1526227791, G2051772949, Moving along the fear sensitivity continuum: Neural and behavioral markers of fear sensitivity and childhood psychopathology from infancy to 9 years of age, G2543778478, G3215045142, Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) and Stress during pregnancy and Brain Development of the offspring, G3752232270, G5866284197, G6235868851, G6265344354, Right to Belong: Tackling Loneliness and Ostracism during Childhood and Youth (R-to-B), G6416859546, Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research, G8101891951

OpenAlex ID: W7148458065

FWCI: 8.253

Cites: 63

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10