Development of Executive Function across the Life Span
Abstract
We present an overview of life span changes in the core executive function (EF) processes of working memory, response control, and set-shifting/cognitive flexibility—cognitive abilities necessary for the voluntary control of thought and action. Following this review of empirical findings, we describe two basic approaches (viz. representational and componential models) taken to account for EF at various points in development. We then present an integrated developmental model of EF by identifying features that the three processes should possess based on features already identified across different models, and we review additional empirical findings in light of this integrated model. We conclude by identifying outstanding issues that any comprehensive theory of EF will need to address.
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Lifespan studies from middle childhood into late adulthood have typically revealed both the rise and the fall of executive function.
“Nonetheless, lifespan studies from middle childhood into late adulthood have typically revealed both the rise and the fall of EF (Bialystok & Craik, 2010; Jacques & Marcovitch, 2010; Salthouse & Davis, 2006).”
From NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): Validation of Executive Function Measures in Adults (2014) · cites this paper as Jacques & Marcovitch, 2010
Across the lifespan, executive function appears to follow an inverted-U-shaped curve, rising and then falling.
“Developmental research on EF has revealed that when considered across the lifespan, EF appears to follow an inverted-U-shaped curve, rising and then falling (see Jacques & Marcovitch, 2010, for a review).”
From NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): Validation of Executive Function Measures in Adults (2014) · cites this paper as Jacques & Marcovitch, 2010
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NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): Validation of Executive Function Measures in Adults
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- Authors
- Jacques, S., & Marcovitch, S.
- Affiliations
- Dalhousie University (CA)
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro (US)
- ORCID
- Jacques, Sophie
- Venue
- The Handbook of Life‐Span Development
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2010-07-26
- OpenAlex
- W1481548981
- Cited by
- 59
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 1 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
- Type
- other
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
- Keywords
- executive function, lifespan development, working memory, response control, set-shifting, cognitive flexibility, representational models
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