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Promoting the Executive Functions: Core Foundations, Assessment Considerations, and Practical Applications

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Positive Neuropsychology

Abstract

The executive functions (EFs) comprise an interrelated set of higher-order cognitive abilities associated with goal-oriented behavior and emotional and social functioning. The present chapter considers a spectrum of issues related to EFs, beginning with theoretical foundations and concluding with practical strategies for promoting the EFs in daily life. In particular, we review theoretical, clinical, and empirical frameworks of EFs and examine EF assessment approaches and related dilemmas. We clarify EF assessment use patterns among practitioners in the context of ecological validity. We then discuss research on interventions designed to support or promote the EFs and consider evidence-based external and internal strategies useful in clinical practice. A final section considers future directions that may lead to more effective EF assessment and promotion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA

    John J. Randolph PhD, ABPP

  2. Randolph Neuropsychology Associates, PLLC, Lebanon, NH, USA

    John J. Randolph PhD, ABPP

  3. J. Randolph Consulting, LLC, Lebanon, NH, USA

    John J. Randolph PhD, ABPP

  4. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Naomi S. Chaytor PhD, ABPP

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  2. Naomi S. Chaytor PhD, ABPP
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Correspondence to John J. Randolph PhD, ABPP .

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  1. , Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Medical Center Drive DHMC 1, LEBANON, 03756, New Hampshire, USA

    John J. Randolph

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Randolph, J.J., Chaytor, N.S. (2013). Promoting the Executive Functions: Core Foundations, Assessment Considerations, and Practical Applications. In: Randolph, J. (eds) Positive Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6605-5_5

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