Executive Function Development
Research, products, and tools referenced in this module.23 resources available.
3 printable PDFs
Age-based EF milestones for inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning
Template and best practices for creating visual schedules that build EF skills
Age-graded activities for building planning, time management, and organizational skills
Adele Diamond's comprehensive review of executive functions, their development, and interventions. The foundational paper in this field.
Moffitt et al.'s landmark longitudinal study following 1,000 children for 32 years, demonstrating that childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety outcomes.
The original marshmallow test research showing that preschool delay of gratification predicts adolescent cognitive and social competence.
Diamond et al.'s Science paper demonstrating that the Tools of the Mind curriculum improves executive functions in at-risk preschoolers.
Diamond's review of evidence-based interventions for improving executive function, including computer training, martial arts, and school curricula.
Meta-analysis showing that working memory training produces short-term specific effects but limited transfer to other cognitive abilities.
Maski & Kothare's review of how sleep deprivation impairs executive function and neurobehavioral outcomes in children.
Conceptual replication of the marshmallow test with a more representative sample, showing smaller effect sizes and importance of socioeconomic factors.
Thibodeau et al.'s intervention study showing that fantastical pretend-play improves executive functions in preschoolers.
Demonstrated that inhibitory control was a stronger predictor of kindergarten math and reading ability than general intelligence.
Established that core working memory storage capacity is limited to approximately 3-5 meaningful items in young adults, revising Miller's classic 'magical number seven.'
Review of adolescent brain development, confirming that the prefrontal cortex is not fully mature until approximately age 25 and remains vulnerable to environmental influences.
Presented the dual systems model explaining how the earlier-maturing limbic system creates an imbalance with the still-developing prefrontal cortex during adolescence.
Established that even mild acute uncontrollable stress can cause rapid and dramatic loss of prefrontal cognitive abilities through catecholamine-mediated pathways.
The foundational study demonstrating that self-control operates as a limited resource that depletes with use, influencing subsequent self-regulation capacity.
Review demonstrating that both acute and chronic aerobic exercise promote children's executive function across multiple cognitive domains.
Randomized controlled trial showing that a 9-month after-school physical activity program enhanced executive control and brain function in 7-9 year old children.
The research-based curriculum for preschool and kindergarten developed by Bodrova and Leong, targeting self-regulation through imaginative play.
Free guides, videos, and activities for building executive function skills at different ages from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child.
Adele Diamond's research lab website with publications, talks, and resources on executive function development.
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