Longitudinal Associations Between Executive Functions and Intelligence in Preschool Children

Executive functions (EFs) and intelligence were examined concurrently and longitudinally in 126 preschool children. EF was assessed using the Flexible Item Selection Task (FIST) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Children’s intelligence was assessed using the Verbal and Performance subtests from Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Third Edition (WPPSI-III). Results showed a significant association between verbal and nonverbal intelligence with both the FIST and the BRIEF-P. The BRIEF-P working memory scale showed the strongest relation with EF and intelligence at both time points. Results are discussed in terms of differential association between intelligence and components of EF.