Executive functions and psychopathology: A transdiagnostic network analysis

Ganai, Umer Jon and Bhushan, Braj (2025) Executive functions and psychopathology: A transdiagnostic network analysis. PLOS ONE, 20 (12): 0338435. pp. 1-21. ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

Mental health research is shifting toward dimensional, transdiagnostic frameworks, yet the role of executive functions (EFs) across psychopathological domains remains unclear. In this study, we examined transdiagnostic associations and potential directional pathways linking EFs with psychopathology in a large sample of preadolescents (N = 9,119) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We employed a Gaussian graphical model (GGM) to estimate partial correlations and a directed acyclic graph (DAG) to infer potential directional influences between EFs and psychopathology. Modest associations were observed among the EFs and psychopathology. Working memory emerged as a central node, showing positive associations with attention problems, social problems, and rule-breaking behavior, and negative associations with anxious/depressed and somatic complaints. These results were mirrored in the DAG, which identified working memory and attention problems as key converging hubs. Sex-stratified analyses revealed notable differences in network structure. Our findings reveal a core transdiagnostic role for working memory in preadolescent psychopathology.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Psychology > Experimental Psychology
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling
Depositing User: Mr. Luckey Pathan
Date Deposited: 11 Jan 2026 06:24
Last Modified: 11 Jan 2026 06:24
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0338435
Additional Information: Publisher: Public Library of Science
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/10626

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