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 r elationship 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 a nd aggressive behavior were used to test these relationships in a samp le of 291 10-12 year old boys with and without a FH of substance depen dence. Results: Analyses indicated that the measures of ECF loaded on one factor. ECF was related to aggressive behavior even when accountin g for IQ and SES. The interaction between ECF and a FH of substance de pendence was also associated with aggressive behavior. Conclusions: Th e central finding of this investigation indicates that ECF and its int eraction with a FH of substance dependence are associated with aggress ive behavior. These results suggest that violence prevention and treat ment efforts in high risk groups should incorporate cognitive habilita tion focusing on training in ECFs.