Self-rated executive function: development of the executive function index.

There are several self-rating executive function (SREF) measures in existence that were developed solely in clinical populations or which sample a limited range of executive functions. The Executive Function Index (EFI) was developed here in a normal population with five subscales derived through factor analysis: Motivational Drive, Strategic Planning, Organization, Impulse Control, and Empathy. The content of three second order factors is consistent with the functions mediated by dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, and medial prefrontal circuits. Intrascale reliability and demographic relationships are reported as well as strong correlations with other SREF measures validated in clinical and neuroimaging studies. This brief measure provides a quick and efficient means of collecting data in large samples in order to test hypotheses regarding the role of prefrontal systems in various aspects of behavior and to corroborate findings of other methods, such as objective tests and functional neuroimaging.