O funcionamento executivo em crianças na idade pré-escolar de diferentes níveis socioeconómicos

Abstract

Theoretical Background: Executive Functions (EF) are a set of cognitive functions associated with organization and planning, and responsible for goal-directed behaviors. Its correct development is essential for a healthy functioning of the human being. During childhood, and following brain maturation, these abilities begin to emerge, seeming to be highly influenced by the socio-economic context, since factors such as lower family income and lower parental education seem to be associated with lower executive abilities in children. Method: The sample consists of 48 preschool children, aged between 3 and 5 years (M=4,02; SD=0,79). The neuropsychological assessment included the Corsi Tray and the Digit Memory, for the assessment of working memory (WM); the Shape School, to assess cognitive flexibility (CF) and inhibitory control (IC); and Fish and Sharks, for IC evaluation. The variables analyzed were Family Income, Father's Education and Mother's Education, considered key components of socioeconomic status. Results: The Shape School (CF and IC) showed significant differences in Family Income and Mother's Education, but not of Father's Education, with children in families with higher incomes and mothers with higher education having better results. The WM (Corsi and Digits) and IC (Fish and Sharks) tests did not show significant differences in function of any socioeconomic status variable. Discussion: The results obtained are in agreement with the literature, with higher SES indicators being associated with better performance in EF tests. Even so, it is not clearly demonstrated that these differences are noticeable in all the components of the FE, since the statistical significance was only observed in the Shape School. The evaluation of these components is extremely important, since it is necessary for an early intervention, leveling the children's executive skills.

Date of Award	9 Dec 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Vânia Silva Nunes (Supervisor) & Joana Rodrigues Rato (Supervisor)