Barkley, R. (2012). Executive functions: what they are, how they work, and why they evolved.
New York: Guilford press.
The focus of
this text is to provide an understanding of both the how and why of executive
functions. Barkley suggests that executive functions evolved to solve social
problems. According to this view, there is a daily need to look ahead and
anticipate what others are likely to do in the context of pursuing one’s own
self-interests. Executive functions are seen as comprising both ‘cold’ cognitive
functions of ‘what, where, and when’, as well as ‘hot’ cognitive or
motivational functions of ‘why’. One key to the development of executive
functions is the ability to create internal representations of stimuli that are
no longer present. With these internalized representations, we can create a
conscious mental life capable of imagining a hypothetical future. As we become
self-aware, we shift our motivations towards attaining a goal, that is, a
hypothetical future of our imagining. Using self-directed private speech, we
coach ourselves through the actions necessary to achieve that goal. Barkley
argues that one of the most distinctive features characterizing executive
function impairments is the social disability arising due to a failure to act
insightfully in the social context while pursuing a future goal.
The ideas
described in this text have important clinical implications. The emphasis on
both the individual’s motivations as well as cognitive abilities in setting
future goals and plans is important. It calls for a need to consider an
individual’s reason to pursue a goal as well as their ability to select and
pursue that goal.
Blogger: Lisa Archibald
No comments:
Post a Comment