Executive dysfunctions across adulthood: measurement properties and correlates of the DEX self-report questionnaire.

Full 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.

Author information

Author/s: Gerstorf, Denis (D); Siedlecki, Karen L (KL); Tucker-Drob, Elliot M (EM); Salthouse, Timothy A (TA);

Affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA. gerstorf(-atsign-)psu.edu

Grants: R01 AG19627 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; R37 AG02427042 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; T32 AG 020500 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition (Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jul; vol 15 (issue 4) : pp 424-45

Dates: Created 2008/06/27; Completed 2008/09/25;

PMID: 18584338, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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