Abstract
Executive function (EF) is the set of neuro-cognitive processes associated with self-regulation, decision-making, and goal-directed
behavior. The goal of this study is to examine cross-sectional relationships between EF and latent classes of youth characterized
by patterns of obesity-related health behaviors (i.e., high fat/high sugar intake, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity,
sedentary behavior, and dieting). Participants were 997 4th grade youth in a school-based obesity prevention program. Cross-sectional
relationships at study baseline between established latent classes of obesity risk and EF problems were assessed. General
linear models demonstrated that EF problems were associated with classification into two unhealthy latent obesity risk classes.
One potential implication of study findings is that obesity intervention efforts include EF promotion content tailored for
latent classes of youth at different levels of obesity risk.
behavior. The goal of this study is to examine cross-sectional relationships between EF and latent classes of youth characterized
by patterns of obesity-related health behaviors (i.e., high fat/high sugar intake, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity,
sedentary behavior, and dieting). Participants were 997 4th grade youth in a school-based obesity prevention program. Cross-sectional
relationships at study baseline between established latent classes of obesity risk and EF problems were assessed. General
linear models demonstrated that EF problems were associated with classification into two unhealthy latent obesity risk classes.
One potential implication of study findings is that obesity intervention efforts include EF promotion content tailored for
latent classes of youth at different levels of obesity risk.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9395-8
- Authors
- Nathaniel R. Riggs, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 90813, USA
- Jimi Huh, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 90813, USA
- Chih-Ping Chou, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 90813, USA
- Donna Spruijt-Metz, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 90813, USA
- Mary Ann Pentz, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 90813, USA
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715