Abstract

SANTOS, Gabrielle Silva Almeida dos; MORETO, Gabriela Ciryco  and  LIMA-COSTA, Ariela Raissa. Relationships Between Executive Functions and Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Adolescents. Aval. psicol. [online]. 2026, vol.25, e25818.  Epub Apr 10, 2026. ISSN 1677-0471.  https://doi.org/10.15689/ap.2026.25.e25818.

Understanding the relationship between executive functions and dysfunctional behavior in adolescence is important for identifying protective factors and guiding psychosocial interventions. This study examined the relationship between internalizing and externalizing behaviors and executive functions, specifically inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, in 243 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from public and private schools. The Five Digit Test (FDT) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) were administered. Correlation analyses, comparison of means, and multiple linear regression indicated that greater cognitive flexibility was associated with lower levels of externalizing behavior. In contrast, inhibitory control was associated with a reduction in aggression and rule-breaking. Adolescents from public schools demonstrated greater vulnerability to externalizing behaviors, suggesting an influence of socioeconomic background. These findings underscore the importance of psychosocial interventions designed to enhance executive functions, particularly in contexts of vulnerability.

Keywords : neurodevelopment; psychopathology; behavior problems.

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