A three-component, hierarchical model of executive attention: Relations to developmental self-regulation, internalising, and externalising problems

Executive attention describes the goal-directed control of attention and has generally been conceptualised as a unidimensional construct in children. In the first of three studies, it is shown that executive attention has three distinct components reflecting the ability to: 1) focus attention on goal-relevant cognitions; 2) inhibit inappropriate responses; 3) focus on goal-relevant visual stimuli. The second study demonstrates that executive attention underlies developmental self-regulation - children's ability to control their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The third study shows that two of these executive attention components are related to different types of emotional and behavioural problems. Implications for understanding cognition and psychopathology in childhood are explored.