Does the BRIEF-P Predict Specific Executive Function Components in Preschoolers?

The current study explored the association between the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P; Gioia, Espy, & Isquith, 2003) and a new battery of direct executive function (EF) measures designed for preschoolers. Forty-two typically developing 3- to 5-year-olds were given the Preschool Executive Function Battery (PEFB; Garon, Smith & Bryson, 2014); their mothers filled out the BRIEF-P. The findings support distinct associations between 3 BRIEF-P scales and corresponding direct EF measures. In particular, a strong association was found between the BRIEF-P Inhibition scale and children's performance on the PEFB Inhibition measure. The findings indicate that parent ratings of preschoolers' everyday EF behavior are related to performance on the PEFB, a laboratory measure. These findings have implications for early screening of children's EF difficulties as well as for future research.