Executive dysfunction and impulsivity in adolescence: a cross-lagged panel network analysis

Based on the perspective of network psychopathology, this study investigates the networks of executive dysfunction and impulsivity in adolescents, with the aim of identifying central and bridge symptoms. This study measured impulsivity and executive dysfunction twice among 539 Chinese adolescents (M = 15.07 years, SD = 1.31; 58.9% female) with a 12-month interval. A cross-lagged panel network analysis model was applied for data analysis. In this cross-lagged panel network analysis model, there was a total of 194 edges. Within the executive dysfunction network, the strongest longitudinal prediction was from “repetitive mistakes” to “uncontrollable laughter” (strength 0.13). Within the impulsivity network, the strongest was from “cognitive impulsivity” to “non-planning impulsivity” (strength 0.10). The four strongest bridging paths connecting the two networks, in order of strength, were: Recklessness → Motor impulsivity (0.89), Recklessness → Non-planning impulsivity (0.34), Repetitive mistakes → Cognitive impulsivity (0.33), Inattention → Motor impulsivity (0.31). Centrality and bridge centrality indicated that D3 (impulsivity/recklessness) exhibited the highest out-expected influence (out-EI = 1.71), I1 (non-planning impulsivity) demonstrated the highest in-expected influence (in-EI = 1.43). D3 (impulsivity/recklessness) also showed the highest bridge expected influence (BEI = 1.49), establishing it as the most critical bridging symptom linking the executive dysfunction and impulsivity communities in adolescents. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the dynamic connection between executive dysfunction and impulsivity in adolescents, suggesting that future interventions targeting executive dysfunction associated with recklessness could reduce the development of impulsivity in adolescents.