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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 2/2009

01-04-2009 | Original Article

Executive Functioning: Overview, Assessment, and Research Issues for Non-Neuropsychologists

Author: Yana Suchy, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2009

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Abstract

Background

Executive functioning (EF) is a multifaceted neuropsychological construct that can be defined as (1) forming, (2) maintaining, and (3) shifting mental sets, corresponding to the abilities to (1) reason and generate goals and plans, (2) maintain focus and motivation to follow through with goals and plans, and (3) flexibly alter goals and plans in response to changing contingencies.

Purpose

Research involving EF has become increasingly popular in a number of disciplines including behavioral medicine and personality research.

Methods

The present article outlines some of the challenges faced by EF researchers, as well as briefly reviews historical perspective and neuroanatomical underpinnings of EF to provide broader context.

Results

Clinical presentations of EF deficits, definitions and operationalization of the contsruct, as well as selection of appropriate assessment methods are provided.

Conclusion

The article concludes with general cautions and guidelines for researchers.
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Metadata
Title
Executive Functioning: Overview, Assessment, and Research Issues for Non-Neuropsychologists
Author
Yana Suchy, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-04-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9097-4

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