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Abstract
Substance misuse is highly prevalent among university students. One possible risk factor is dysfunction in Executive Cognitive Functions (ECF). Barkley and Fischer criticized traditional ECF neuropsychological tests, claiming that ratings of ECF in daily life are more ecologically valid. Barkley’s Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS), a novel self-report measure of ECF, was used to assess to assess the relationship between ECF and substance misuse in 154 university students. In this sample, 38.8% met criteria for hazardous alcohol use while 18.7% met criteria for hazardous drug use. Problematic alcohol users differed from non-problematic users in overall ECF impairment as well as on Self-Management to Time and Self-Restraint subscales. Problematic drug users differed from non-problematic users on Self-Restraint. These results suggest that the BDEFS may be a valuable tool to assess ECF impairment in substance misusers.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.