Executive cognitive functioning and aggressive behavior in preadolescent boys at high risk for substance abuse/dependence

Objective: This study had three purposes: (1) to assess the underlying factor structure of a battery of neuropsychological tests putatively measuring executive cognitive functioning (ECF) in a sample of boys at high and low risk for substance abuse/dependence; (2) to assess the relationship between ECF and aggressive behavior; and (3) to determine the interactive effects of ECF and a family history (FH) of substances dependence on aggressive behavior. Method: Multiple measures of ECF and aggressive behavior were used to test these relationships in a sample of 291 10-12 year old boys with and without a FH of substance dependence. Results: Analyses indicated that the measures of ECF loaded on one factor. ECF was related to aggressive behavior even when accounting for IQ and SES. The interaction between ECF and a FH of substance dependence was also associated with aggressive behavior. Conclusions: The central finding of this investigation indicates that ECF and its interaction with a FH of substance dependence are associated with aggressive behavior. These results suggest that violence prevention and treatment efforts in high risk groups should incorporate cognitive habilitation focusing on training in ECFs.