Promoting Regulation and Flexibility in Thinking Development of Executive Function

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: Executive function and human development: Control, biology, and regulation

·       What is Executive Function?

Inhibition

Working Memory

Cognitive Flexibility

·       Theoretical Approaches and the Role of EF in Human Development

Information Processing

Systems Theories

·       Biological Foundations of EF

Genes and EF

General Terms

Genetic Contributions to EF

Brain Development and EF

Neurons

Synapses

Experience-Expectant Synaptogenesis

Experience-Dependent Synaptogenesis

Development of the Prefrontal Cortex

Functionality of Neurotransmitters

Changes in Gray Metter

Increased White Matters

Connectivity of Brain Regions

·       Contextual Foundations of Human Development

Individual Differences

Theory to Practice Box: Vision and EF

EF Applied: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Advocacy

Assets and Protective Factors

Interview Box: Chatting with a Parent of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Context: Families, Communities, and Culture

Wealth

Nutrition

Household Stability and Parenting

·       Using EF to Understand Human Development and Real Humans

Careers and Fostering EF in Children and Adolescents

Specific Applications of this Knowledge to Careers Serving Children, Youth, and Families

·       Summary

·       Further Resources

Chapter 2: Thinking, Learning, and Development of Executive Function

·       What is Cognitive Development and How is it Related to EF?

Humans Play an Active Role in their Cognitive Development

Cognitive Development Can Change Both Abruptly and Gradually

·       Biology, EF, and Foundations for Development

Gene expression

Brain development

Proliferation

Migration

Differentiation and Synaptogenesis

·       Specific Domains of Cognitive Development

Perception

EF and Perception

Intersensory Integration

Challenges to Integration

·       Case Study Box: EF, Perception, and Behavior in the Home

Representation

Representation Can Take Many Different Forms

Simple Representation

Representational Insight

Theory to Practice Box: Can children differentiate appearance from reality?

Cross-Cultural Understandings of Representation

Memory

Explicit Memory

Sensory and Working Memory

Central Executive of Working Memory

Support Systems of Working Memory

Brain development in Working Memory

Putting it all Together: Development of Episodic Memory

Implicit Memory

Entering Implicit Memory

Brain Development

Language

Language Learning and EFs

EFs and Interrelationship between Language and Thought

EFs and Literacy Development

Reading

Writing

Language and EFs in Action: Bilingualism

·       Linking to Theories and Concepts

·       Variations in Cognition and EF

Individual Differences

Case Study Box: ADHD in the Classroom

Environment

Household Chaos

Stress and Trauma

·       Careers and EF

·       Summary

·       Further Resources

Chapter 3: Foundations for Emotional Development and Regulation

·       What is Emotional Development and Regulation?

Universality in Basic Human Emotions

Biologically Based Individual Differences in Emotion Expression and Processing

Adaptation to a Context by a Biological Being

Emotional Processing is Intertwined with Cognitive Development

·       Physiology of Emotion

Appraisal

Reactivity

Chronic Stress

·       Specific Foundations of Emotional Development

Temperament

Reactivity and Behavioral Inhibition

Environmental Context of Temperament

Temperament and Behavioral Control

Self-Regulation

            Inhibitory Control and Prefrontal Cortex

Anger and Aggression

Interview Box: EF and Classroom Behavior

Early Interactions and Relationships

Attunement and Dyadic Interactions

Attachment

Foundational Terms for Attachment

Physiological and Emotion Reactivity

Brain Structure and Function

·       Contextual Foundations of Emotional Development

Emotion and Reactivity

Attachment

·       Careers and EF

·       Summary

·       Further Resources

Chapter 4: Social Cognition and EF: The Interface between Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development

What is Social Cognition and How is it Related to EF?

Agency Shapes Social Cognition

Biology and Experiences Work Together in Social Cognitive Development

Specific Domains of Social Cognitive Development

Understanding of the Self

Role of Representational Skills

Self-Awareness

Identity

Awareness of Others

Perspective Taking

Theory to Research Box: False Belief Understanding

Delay of Gratification

Empathy

Peer Relationships

Contextual Foundations of Social Cognitive Development

Autism Spectrum Disorder, EF, and Social Cognition

Interview Box: Social Cognition and Emerging Adulthood

Home, EF, and Social Cognition

Careers and EF

Summary

Further Resources

Chapter 5: Applications of EF within careers that involve direct work with children, adolescents, and families

·       Theoretical Model for Application

Context

Person

Process

Time

·       Executive Function and Proximal Processes in Real World Professions

Education

Early Childhood Education

Elementary and Secondary Education

Higher Education

Interview Box: School Administration as a Microsystem

Mental Health

Social Services

Counseling

Government and Law

Children as Victims or Witnesses

Minors as Perpetrators

THEORY TO PRACTICE BOX: Trauma Informed Care and Human Development

Physical Health and Care

Medical Settings

Therapeutic Settings

Home

Caregivers and Families

Engaging with Local Opportunities

·       Linking Concepts to Real People

·       Summary

·       Further Resources

Chapter 6: Advocating for developmentally appropriate policy, outreach, and well-being

·       Theory and Context Revisited

·       Interview Box: Policy, Funding, and Language

·       Supporting Executive Function in the Real World

Macrosystem Influencing EF: Role of Society

Language and Cognition, EF, and Values in Society

Regulation, EF, and Values in Society

Relationships, EF, and Values in Society

Exosystem Influencing EF: Role of Indirect Effects

Education

Mental Health

Government and Law

Theory to Practice Box: Teens, Stereotypes, and the Legal System

Physical Health and Care

Home

·       Full Circle of Bidirectionality: The Person can Change the Culture

Diversity, Equity, and Policy

Taking a Global Perspective

Example of Resistance: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

·       Linking These Concepts to Real People

·       Summary

·       Further Resources

References

Biography

Kristen M. Weede Alexander is a Child and Adolescent Development Professor at California State University, Sacramento. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of California, Davis in 2002 and her current research interests are in stress, coping, and memory in context.

Karen M. Davis O’Hara serves as the Executive Dean of Sierra College (Nevada County Campus), having formerly been a Professor of Child Development and administrator in the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development from University of California, Davis, and her research focuses on emotion regulation.