Relationship between executive functions and impulsive behavior in adolescents: Comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Impulsivity can be directly related to maladaptive and disruptive behaviors; specifically, during adolescence, impulsivity is associated with behavioral and social problems, and it has been found that some behavioral difficulties are related to neuropsychological dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating impulse control and executive functions. Objective. To compare the relationships among executive functions, particularly inhibitory control, behavioral planning and behavioral flexibility, in adolescents between 13 and 15 years old with and without impulsivity. Method. This study was developed using an analytical, comparative design. The sample consisted of 62 participants whose impulsivity was measured using the BIS-11-A Impulsiveness Scale and whose data were compared with normative data from the same sample size. Executive functions were evaluated using the Tower of London test, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT) and Stroop test. Results. Young people between 13 and 15 years old who exhibited impulsive behavior showed impairment in the executive functions studied, such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral planning. Discussion and conclusion. There is a direct correlation between impulsive behaviors and executive functions during adolescence. The results found here support the development of potential intervention protocols based on executive functioning.