Executive functions intervention program for academic learning for young people/undergraduate students: Development and evidence of content validity

Abstract

Despite the current emphasis on intervention programs for executive functions (EF), those for children and older adult predominate, with a gap in programs aimed at young people/undergraduate students. The present study presents the process of developing an EF intervention program to support academic learning for young people/undergraduate students. The development followed 5 stages: 1) Internal organization, 2) Construction, 3) Judges’ Analysis, 4) Review and finalization, 5) Pilot Study. Participants were 8 judges (step 3) and 3 classes of students (n = 102) enrolled in Higher Education (step 5). There was high agreement among the judges regarding the demands and the general quality of the activities. Review and integration of the judges’ quantitative and qualitative assessments gave rise to the current version of the πFex-Academics, with 7 activities structured in 3 modules, with a focus on learning and academic demands. The pilot study revealed good applicability. The πFex-Academics is a promising tool for stimulating EF in a university context.