Development and validation of a self-report questionnaire to assess executive functions in healthy adults: the executive functions in healthy adults questionnaire (EFHAQ).

Authors

Ines Pfeffer, Tilo Strobach, Christina Niermann

Published in

Scientific reports. Volume 16. Issue 1. Aug 08, 2026. Epub Aug 08, 2026.

Abstract

Aim of this research was to develop and validate a time-efficient, ecologically valid self-report questionnaire measuring executive functions in healthy adults, grounded in the unity/diversity framework of Miyake (i.e., inhibition, updating, shifting). Across a pre-study and three main studies (N_total = 1.574), an initial 55-item pool was refined to a final 15-item set. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (Studies 1-3) revealed, while the data did not support the expected three-factor model, a stable five-factor structure with the factors flexibility, focusing, inhibition, adaptation, and weighing up. The subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistencies (Studies 1-3) and test-retest reliability over three weeks (Study 3). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with established measures of self-regulation abilities (Studies 1-3). Criterion validity was shown by associations with life satisfaction and affective well-being (Study 3). Although limited by a predominantly young, highly educated sample, the questionnaire provides a reliable and valid open-access tool for examining the role of executive functions in health behavior, academic achievement or social functioning.

PMID:
42567871
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 08 Aug 2026.

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