This study focuses on the relationship between the three executive functions (EF); inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility and the two aspects of Theory of Mind (ToM); perspective...Show moreThis study focuses on the relationship between the three executive functions (EF); inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility and the two aspects of Theory of Mind (ToM); perspective taking and recognition of emotions, which underlie the social-emotional functioning of 101 children aged four to nine years old who attend mainstream primary schools. EFs were measured using the STS- and SSV task of the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) and the social-emotional functioning was measured using the Social Cognitive Skills Test (SCVT) and the IFE of the ANT. The results show that inhibition has a positive relationship with perspective taking and it also turned out to be the strongest predictor of the three EFs. Besides that it is found that age is an important predictor for perspective taking. In reference to recognition of emotions it is shown that there is a positive relationship with the working memory and inhibition and the working memory counts to be the strongest predictor here. These findings contribute to and offer starting points for diagnostics, prevention and guidance of children in primary education. In addition this study offers tools to further deepen the relationship between EFs and social-emotional functioning and to potentially place it in a different context.Show less
