A-143: Known-group and Convergent Validity of the Executive Functioning Index in a Sample of Emerging Adults

Abstract

Objective: Poor Executive functioning (EF) is associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, functional impairment, and diagnostic status. This underscores the importance of assessing EF deficits in emerging adults (Boonstra et al., 2005). This study examined the convergent and known-group validity of the Executive Functioning Index (EFI) in a sample of emerging adults. Method/Data Selection: A sample of 668 college students aged 18-25 (M = 18.95, SD = 1.41) from a southern university research pool reported on history of any ADHD diagnosis and completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1; Kessler et al., 2005; high = more symptom severity), the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale – Self-Report (WFIRS-S; Weiss, 2000; high = more impairment), the Executive Functioning Index (EFI; Spinella, 2005; high = better EF). Results/Data Synthesis: Convergent validity was examined using Pearson correlations between EFI, ASRS, and WFIRS-S scores. The EFI demonstrated significant negative correlations with the ASRS, r(666) = –.34, p < .001, and the WFIRS-S, r(666) = –.45, p < .001, indicating that lower EFI scores were associated with greater ADHD symptom severity and impairment. To test the known-group validity of the EFI, a two-sample t-test was performed to compare scores on the EFI between ADHD diagnostic groups. There was a significant difference in EFI scores between those with ADHD (M = 113, SD = 13.44) and those without (M = 119, SD = 14.15); t (179.28) = 4.38, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Overall, the findings support the EFI’s construct validity in emerging adults, showing predicted associations with ADHD symptoms, functional impairment, and diagnostic status.