Executive functioning is an umbrella term for several related cognitive functions like
selective-and sustained attention, working memory, and inhibition. Little is known about the
stability of executive functioning during childhood. In this study the longitudinal stability of
executive functioning was examined in young twins. The twin design enables to investigate
genetic and environmental contributions to (the stability of) executive functioning.
Computerized reaction time tasks on working memory, selective-and sustained attention …

The genetic and environmental influences on the longitudinal stability of executive
functioning were examined in children. Computerized reaction time tasks on Selective
Attention, Working Memory, and Sustained Attention were collected in twin pairs when they
were 5 years old (N= 474 children) and when they were 2 years old (N= 346 children). The
longitudinal correlations of processing speed were substantial with 0.37 in the Selective
Attention and Working Memory task, and 0.39 in the Sustained Attention task. For Slope (ie …