Search

Deficits in executive function (self-regulatory mechanisms) have been linked with many childhood disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and conduct disorder. Executive functioning is typically assessed by individually administering performance-based measures in a clinical setting. However, performance-based methods are inefficient for school psychologists. A more feasibly implemented measure for applied settings is the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), but researchers have raised questions about the internal validity and the proposed factors. In this study, we examined the factor structure of the teacher form of the BRIEF in a sample of 2,044 general education elementary students and 131 teachers in a multilevel design. Results revealed support for a model with three factors at Level 1 and one general factor at Level 2. The results of our study do not support the current two-factor model of the published BRIEF protocol.

Executive function (EF), a set of neurocognitive processes, is central to students' emotional and behavioral well-being. Despite students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) being at risk for negative long-term outcomes, there is a paucity of EF research with students at risk for EBD in early elementary school, an important identification and intervention period. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional latent profile analysis with a sample of 1,154 kindergarteners and first graders identified as at risk for EBD to determine whether unique EF profiles existed and the extent to which profile membership was related to distinct patterns of functioning. Results indicated a theoretically supported, three-profile solution of mildly, moderately, and clinically at-risk EF profiles. Differences between EF profiles were noted such that students with moderately and clinically at-risk EF profiles demonstrated more problematic behaviors, less social competence, and greater language difficulties. We discuss implications for early identification, intervention efforts, and future research.

Maladaptive adolescent behavior patterns often create escalating conflict with adults and peers, leading to poor long-term social trajectories. To address this, school-based behavior management often consists of contingent reinforcement for appropriate behavior, behavior reduction procedures, and placement in self-contained or alternative settings. Yet, these commonplace practices may not foster the self-regulation processes necessary to override the habitual and negative response sequences that prohibit independent and sustained positive social functioning. As such, we developed "I Control," a curriculum to teach middle school students with significant behavior problems how to engage in appropriate social self-regulation. Pre-post pilot data analyses using "Mplus" from 152 students in 14 schools/17 classrooms indicated that students taught "I Control" evidenced more positive scores than controls on teacher-reported contextualized executive function, externalizing behavior problems, and general problem behavior, and student-reported emotional control, social problem solving, and externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Also, students who were taught the curriculum had greater curricular knowledge than control students. These positive findings indicate that "I Control" warrants more extensive investigation.

Social-emotional learning curricula to prevent student problematic behaviors should play a prominent role in public school instruction. While social-emotional curricula have been shown to be effective, there are few replication studies that substantiate their capacity to improve outcomes for students who exhibit problem behaviors. Thus, we conducted a partial replication of a randomized controlled field trial of the Tools for Getting Along curriculum designed to increase self-regulatory functions of upper elementary school students. We found main effects on social problem-solving and significant pretest-by-condition interaction effects on teacher-reported executive function, behavioral adjustment, and aggression. We also found interaction effects on student-reported anger. The current findings are similar to the results reported for the initial study. We also specified high-risk subsamples of students for each of eight outcome factors and found main effects on emotion regulation and positive social problem-solving and a marginally significant effect on metacognition.

Early identification of executive dysfunction and timely school-based intervention efforts are critical for students at risk for problematic behaviors during early elementary school. The original Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) was designed to measure real-world behavioral manifestations of executive functioning, neurocognitive processes critical for school success. With the updated BRIEF-2, independent validation is needed with kindergarten and first grade students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. Thus, using item level analyses, we examined the factor structure of the BRIEF-2 Teacher Rating form with 1,112 students. Results indicated little evidence for the original three-index model and supported a modified two-index model, with a Cognitive Regulation Index and an overall Behavior–Emotion Regulation Index. Criterion related validity indicated positive relationships with performance-based executive functioning (Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders) and later internalizing and externalizing behaviors. We discuss implications of findings for early identification and school-based intervention efforts, as well as future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Researchers have demonstrated that cognitive–behavioral intervention strategies – such as social problem solving – provided in school settings can help ameliorate the developmental risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties. In this study, we report the results of a randomized controlled trial of Tools for Getting Along (TFGA), a social problem-solving universally delivered curriculum designed to reduce the developmental risk for serious emotional or behavioral problems among upper elementary grade students. We analyzed pre-intervention and post-intervention teacher-report and student self-report data from 14 schools, 87 classrooms, and a total of 1296 students using multilevel modeling. Results (effect sizes calculated using Hedges'' g) indicated that students who were taught TFGA had a more positive approach to problem solving (g =.11) and a more rational problem-solving style (g =.16). Treated students with relatively poor baseline scores benefited from TFGA on (a) problem-solving knowledge (g =1.54); (b) teacher-rated executive functioning (g =.35 for Behavior Regulation and .32 for Metacognition), and proactive aggression (g =.20); and (c) self-reported trait anger (g =.17) and anger expression (g =.21). Thus, TFGA may reduce risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties by improving students'' cognitive and emotional self-regulation and increasing their pro-social choices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the research which shows that self-regulation (SR) is critical for academic, social, and behavioral achievement of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). It suggests that teachers must need to teach self-regulatory skills explicitly. It refers to executive functioning which is a set of mental skills that help an individual get things done.