Differential Contributions of Executive Function Components to Antisocial Behavior in Arab Adolescents

Executive functions (EFs) contribute to behavioral regulation, but the roles of hot and cool EF in adolescent antisocial behavior remain unclear. This study examined 100 Arabic-speaking adolescents using performance-based and parent-rated EF measures and adolescent-reported antisocial behavior. In simultaneous regression, Backward Digit Span was the only significant independent predictor, with better working memory associated with lower antisocial behavior. Supplementary analyses using standardized composites showed that better hot EF was associated with lower antisocial behavior, whereas cool EF explained no additional variance. Findings suggest that EF-antisocial behavior associations depend on EF operationalization and reflect the multidimensional, overlapping nature of executive functioning.