Advancing Our Understanding of Executive Functioning Development—Measurements and Promotion in Naturalistic Contexts

Abstract

The collection of eight articles featured in this Special Issue of Brain Sciences highlights the multifaceted nature of executive functioning (EF), spanning early childhood to adulthood and encompassing diverse contexts—including typical development, clinical populations, and various cultural settings. Together, these contributions underscore the growing importance of studying EF in ecologically valid ways and exploring interventions that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life. This Issue approaches EF from different angles: from assessments conducted in natural settings and targeted interventions for children, to broader investigations in diverse populations and critical discussions around cultural and methodological validity. Most of the articles focus on understanding, assessing, or improving executive functions in children or adults, with measurements as diverse as from babies and stroke patients.