Development of Executive Function at the Preschool Age

Abstract

The development of executive functions (EFs), such as self-regulation of emotion and behaviour, begins in infancy and continues throughout the preschool period. The authors will briefly discuss some of the nuclear dimensions that emerge in the first moments of the life cycle: working memory, automatic response inhibition, and flexibility. In the chapter, development of executive functions in preschool age is structured in three sections: (1) Initially, the basic concepts related to the conceptualization and different explanatory models of the EFs are developed, focusing on the model of Miyake, Friedman, Emerson, Witzki, Howerter, and Wager. (2) Then, the neuropsychological development of the EFs is addressed, analysing the prerequisites and subsequent trajectories of the executive dimensions. The relationship of the EFs and behaviour regulation is analysed, as well as the factors that facilitate or interfere with the development of the EFs. (3) The chapter ends with some conclusions and final reflections.