Background: Previous studies showed that frontal lobes are affected with children having a Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD). The frontal lobes are related to the development of executive...Show moreBackground: Previous studies showed that frontal lobes are affected with children having a Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD). The frontal lobes are related to the development of executive functions (EF) and aggressive behavior. Goal: The main goal of this study is to obtain a better insight in the behavior of children with DBD by looking at the underlying mechanism of EF. A distinction has been made between reactive and proactive aggression. Method: This study has been taken amongst 70 boys between 8 and 12 years old. The boys were subdivided in a DBD group (N=41) and a control group (N=29). Aggression was measured by means of the IRPA parent-questionnaire. The EF have been measured by means of several ANT tasks and the BRIEF parent-questionnaire. Results: Boys with DBD scored worse on their EF compared to the control group. A positive correlation was found between BRIEF inhibition and reactive aggression for the DBD group. A positive correlation was also found for BRIEF cognitive flexibility and proactive aggression for the control group. Conclusion: This study shows that boys with DBD between 8 and 12 years old, have more deficits in EF than the control group. A positive correlation between reactive aggression and inhibition was found for the DBD group as well as a positive correlation between proactive aggression and cognitive flexibility for the control group.Show less
