What is executive functioning?
When you hear the term executive functioning, what comes to mind? While it is a buzzword that is thrown around a lot, it is a very multifaceted term that may be misunderstood. So what is executive functioning really?
Well, executive functioning are different effortful mental processes that are unique to humans and allow us to override our innate reflexes so we can adapt our behavior to the specific environments and stimuli we encounter. In other words, executive functioning allows humans to think through our responses instead of acting off of basic instincts alone. These higher-order functions include inhibition, reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and mental organization.
Inhibition or inhibitory control is the ability to assert control over what you are focusing on, feeling, or behaviors you are engaging in. Instead of giving into your immediate emotional instincts, you are able to tamp them down to do the things that are more socially acceptable or appropriate. Humans have the ability to choose how we respond and change our behavioral patterns if we put in the high amount of effort that it takes to do so.
Reasoning is our ability to take information that is presented and incorporate previously learned information to work through the validity of a statement or determine the potential consequences of any given action.
Problem-solving is the ability to work through an obstacle that arises. This involves thinking through possible solutions, and determining what is realistically the best possible plan of action.
Planning is our ability to have forethought about our experiences and actions, and therefore prepare the best we can.
Mental organization is being able to break down complex experiences or stimuli and make them more orderly or grouped in some way. Having mental categories that different items or experiences can be designated to helps us remain calm and reduces the experience of being overwhelmed.
We utilize the executive functions of reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and mental organization in our day-to-day decision-making process and engage in emotional regulation. To carry out these executive functions, humans utilize their ability to reflect on previous experiences and understand how they could apply to the current situation. This is called goal-directed retrieval of information. This ability to parse through information that we have stored in our long-term memory helps us learn from our past and prevents us from making the same mistakes in the future. Additionally, we need mental flexibility to engage in executive functioning as this allows us to apply old ideas in new ways or alter decisions slightly to try and produce a different outcome.