Cross-Sectional Study on the Effect of Bilingualism, Age, Gender, and Family Income on Executive Function Development in a Sample of Lebanese School-Aged Children

This study investigates executive functions (EFs) and selected developmental factors in 120 children aged 6–11 years. By examining inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, the research evaluates the potential influences of age, gender, bilingualism, and family income on these EF skills. Tests adapted to Lebanese Arabic were used to assess EFs. Results indicate a linear development of inhibition, working memory, and flexibility with age. Gender differences were observed, affecting verbal and visuospatial working memory as well as flexibility. Bilingualism positively impacts EFs, with early bilinguals outperforming late bilinguals. Family income, however, shows no significant effect on EFs.