- By Eden
- Salley
Little Gains, Big Gains: How Nurturing Executive Function Skills in Preschoolers Impacts Their Adulthood
This article is part of our weekly series Executive Function Tips for Families.
Regular readers of this series know that childhood executive function (EF) predicts a range of important school-related outcomes. But did you know early EF also predicts other outcomes later in life? This week we look at the results of a study that examined the relationship between childhood EF and adult outcomes: “Preschool Executive Function and Adult Outcomes: A Developmental Cascade Model” Ahmed et. al, Developmental Psychology, 57(12), 2234-2249.
Let’s take a look!
Before we Begin: What is Executive Function?
Executive Function (EF) is the set of brain skills that includes working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. These mental processes help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks successfully. They really are brain skills for life!
What Does This Study Tell Us?
This study showed that early EF predicted two important adult life outcomes.
First, preschool EF predicted the level of education achieved in adulthood. The researchers found a significant correlation (r = .36) between EF measured during preschool and level of educational attainment in adulthood. This suggests that preschoolers with well-developed EF skills are better equipped to excel in their academic journey.
Likewise, there was a significant relationship between early EF and impulse control in adults (r = .11); higher EF ability in children was related to higher impulse control in adults. In other words, this study suggests that the ability to regulate impulses and make careful decisions–which is fostered in early childhood–has lasting effects on adult self-control.
One thing this study didn’t find? A link between preschool EF and adult health outcomes. This suggests that cognitive EF might differ from behavioral self-control in its impact on health outcomes.
Actionable Steps for Parents
Given the importance of preschool EF to long-term adult outcomes, caregivers should take proactive steps to support children’s EF development. Here are some recommendations for ways to support your child:
- Stimulate EF Development: Play games with your child that involve problem-solving, memory exercises, and tasks requiring impulse control (e.g., waiting for their turn).
- Have a Reading Routine: Allocate time each day for reading with your child. Providing structure like this can help them develop EF skills.
- Teach Impulse Control: Promote self-control through strategies such as counting to ten before reacting and discussing the consequences of impulsive actions.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: While preschool EF may not directly predict general health in adulthood, fostering a healthy lifestyle from an early age is crucial. Encourage balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and proper sleep to support overall well-being.
- Assess Development Regularly: Keep track of your child’s EF development over time. If you notice any difficulties, consult with professionals who can provide guidance and interventions to support EF growth.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the lasting impact of early EF development on various adult outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of fostering EF skills in early childhood and offers valuable insights for parents to support children’s EF development. By nurturing these cognitive skills, parents can help their children achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
