Executive functions and the frontal lobes: a conceptual view
Abstract
Several problems in understanding executive functions and their relationships to the frontal lobes are discussed. Data are then presented from several of our studies to support the following statements: (1) the examination of patients with focal frontal lobe lesions is a necessary first step in defining the relation of executive functions to the frontal lobes; (2) there is no unitary executive function. Rather, distinct processes related to the frontal lobes can be differentiated which converge on a general concept of control functions; (3) a simple control-automatic distinction is inadequate to explain the complexity of control-automatic processes; (4) the distinction between complex and simple tasks cannot explain the differences in functions between the frontal lobes and other brain regions; and (5) the most important role of the frontal lobes may be for affective responsiveness, social and personality development, and self-awareness and unconsciousness.
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Executive function processes are inter-related and can be conceptualized as an integrated supervisory or control system.
“while executive function may comprise several distinct processes, they are inter-related and could still be conceptualized, and referred to, as an integrated supervisory or control system”
From Assessing Executive Function in Preschoolers (2012) · cites this paper as Stuss & Alexander, 2000
During assessments, examiners generally provide children with support and encouragement, initiate activities, provide structure, and help keep the child on task, and it has been suggested they act as the frontal lobes of the child.
“during assessments examiners generally provide children with support and encouragement, initiate activities, provide structure, and help to keep the child on task”
From Assessing Executive Function in Preschoolers (2012) · cites this paper as Stuss & Alexander, 2000
The dorsolateral prefrontal circuit underlies executive function, including attention control and sustained organization for complex problem solving.
“The dorsolateral prefrontal circuit underlies executive function, which includes the control of attention, as well as the sustained organization of behavior to solve complex problems (Cummings, 1993; Stuss and Alexander, 2000).”
From Impulsivity, frontal lobes and risk for addiction (2009) · cites this paper as Stuss and Alexander, 2000
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“In the assessment process the examiner provides support and encouragement (Sbordone, 2000), and plans and initiates activities (Anderson, 1998), often becoming the ‘‘frontal lobes’’ of the patient (Stuss & Alexander, 2000).”
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- Authors
- Stuss, D. T., & Alexander, M. P.
- Affiliations
- Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (CA)
- Venue
- Psychological Research
- Published
- 2000-08-18
- Volume
- 63
- Issue
- 3-4
- Pages
- 289-298
- ISSN
- 0033-3026 (ISSN-L)
- 0340-0727
- 1430-2772
- OpenAlex
- W2017599623
- Cited by
- 1,159
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 13 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 74 · 2021: 75 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 60 · 2018: 46 · 2017: 62 · 2016: 73 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 58 · 2013: 66 · 2012: 68
- FWCI
- 5.86
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Psychological Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Historical and Modern Theater Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Keywords
- executive function, frontal lobe, frontal lobe lesions, control functions, automatic processes, complex tasks, emotional responsiveness, self-awareness, loss of consciousness
- MeSH terms
- Attention, Awareness, Brain Mapping, Dementia, Humans, Neuropsychological Tests, Problem Solving, Mental Recall
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