Coping Strategies and Social Skills of School-Aged Children: Association with Performance-Based Measures and Behavioral Ratings of Executive Function.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of executive function (EF) based on performance-based measures and behavioral ratings (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 [BRIEF-2]) with coping and social skills in children. To this end, we first examined the structure of EF based on performance-based measures in a Chilean sample of 275 girls and boys aged 8-12 years. Confirmatory factor analysis showed the best fit for the three-factor solution, with (1) working memory, (2) cognitive flexibility, and (3) inhibition as separate but related components. Selective associations were found between EF and coping and social skills, with differences according to the assessment method for EF. Specifically, only inhibitory control was related to the constructs when EF was assessed based on the performance-based measures. Meanwhile, EF assessed based on the behavioral ratings, including all dimensions of the BRIEF-2, were selectively associated with coping and social skills, mainly when the evaluation was performed by the teachers. Finally, structural equation models (SEM) showed that inhibitory control had direct effects on coping and social skills. However, when EF was assessed based on ratings, differences were observed between the teachers' and parents' reports. These results reveal the varying effects of EF on coping and social skills depending not only on the modality of assessment but also on the informant, emphasizing the relevance of comprehensive EF evaluation; they also provide relevant information regarding the relationship between EF and coping and social skills in children.