Longitudinal profiles of executive functioning from infancy to 5 years of age—A FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study

Child Development 2026 Open access

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Authors: Anniina Karonen, Pauliina Juntunen, Akie Yada, Fiia Takio, Elisabeth Nordenswan, Eeva Eskola, Kirby Deater-Deckard, David J. Bridgett, Michelle Fernandes, Elina Mainela-Arnold, Hasse Karlsson, Linnea Karlsson
+3 more Eeva-Leena Kataja, Riikka Korja, Saara Nolvi
DOI: 10.1093/chidev/aacaf053
Cited by: 1
References: 63

Abstract

Methodological challenges diminish the number and reliability of longitudinal studies on executive functions (EFs) starting in infancy. To address this, the current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine EF task performance across three age points: 8 months, 2.5 years, and 5 years. Participants were children (N = 830; 55.5% boys; > 95% White) from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Three profiles were identified: constant below average EF profile (14.2%), and two average EF profiles differentiated by Spin the Pots performance (working memory) at 5 years (above average 29.8%, below average 56%). Expected associations between the below average EF profile, male sex, and lower general cognitive performance were found, further supporting the validity of the profiles.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Infant Development and Preterm Care Stress Responses and Cortisol Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Publication details

Journal / source
Child Development
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
97
Issue
3
Pages
710–723
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN