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Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved
This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive theory of executive functioning (EF) with important clinical implications. Synthesizing cutting-edge neuropsychological and evolutionary research, Russell A. Barkley presents a model of EF that is rooted in meaningful activities of daily life. He describes how abilities such as emotion regulation, self-motivation, planning, and working memory enable people to pursue both personal and collective goals that are critical to survival. Key stages of EF development are identified and the far-reaching individual and social costs of EF deficits detailed. Barkley explains specific ways that his model may support much-needed advances in assessment and treatment.
See also Barkley's empirically based, ecologically valid assessment Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS for Adults) and Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale--Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA).
See also Barkley's empirically based, ecologically valid assessment Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS for Adults) and Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale--Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA).
244 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
114 people are currently reading
1499 people want to read
About the author
Russell A. Barkley
69 books437 followersRussell A. Barkley (born 1949) is a clinical psychologist who is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina and an author of books on ADHD. Involved in research since 1973 and a licensed psychologist since 1977, he is an expert on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has devoted much of his scientific career to studying ADHD and related problems in children. His research interests include childhood defiance.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 20, 2015
This book may literally save my life.
July 8, 2022
To describe this book as offering a "comprehensive theory of executive functioning (EF)", as the book's self-description claims is self-aggrandizing marketing at best, and deluded at its worst. This book was, admittedly, disappointing. I was hoping that perhaps the most cited researcher on ADHD would remark something of significant insight, which would help me better comprehend the nature of 'executive functioning' as a set of constructs, and ultimately brain mechanisms.
Instead what I received in this book was the classic foray of the modern public intellectual type mixed with the research of a sophisticated clinician. Indeed, there was a sort of compliment embedded in that sentence. His clinical commentary, and further, commentary on the weakness of EF as a coherent concept was all quite useful and insightful. When he went into 'How EF works' his writings began to get shaky, but were pretty good, and then took a horrible tailspin on its evolutionary aspects.
To break that down:
He begins the book criticizing the lack of coherence in the concept of executive functioning and then evinces with a bunch of evidence from different writings showing many of the different ways these processes have been conceptualized by different authors. Later he more or less proposes that we stick with a few of them. This section was honestly pretty masterful. His first chapter or two were truly a very good reference on many ways that the concepts have been articulated.
Near the end of the book, he espouses ways that people with ADHD can practically integrate this information into their day-to-day life. Both of these areas were highly informative and showed he had very good command over that material.
As for how these executive functions work. Meaning, how one's mind is able to function in a goal-directed manner towards a specific aim over time, his commentary here was ok. I think much of his commentary on this section was fairly good, though I will need to likely reread it to better comprehend his ideas. I was though by no means blown away, nor did I feel as if I was encountering writings that would be cemented in a classic. regarding the neurologic aspects of executive function, we are left pretty unclear. He mentions *some* stuff about embodied emotions and spoke about the existence of the prefrontal cortex without reference to any legit anatomy. I should remark here, had a brief comment near the end of the book stating that neuropsychology moved past localization, and now uses neuroimaging in its stead. This comment shows he doesn't know much about neural imaging and the recent criticisms about it which can be seen in the writings of Russell Poldrack (yes another Russell), and Buzsáki's recent book on looking at the brain from a brain's eye viewpoint rather than from the viewpoint of a psychologist..... His comments on this front ...hurt his credulity in my eyes as it showed he misunderstood the history of structure and function in neurology, misunderstanding that localization has been replaced by network science, not brain imaging. Indeed this is all odd given his vague comments about the PFC near the start of the book.
As for the part on the evolution on these executive functions, he spends a good deal of words synthesizing some mix of Von Mises' human action, the writings of some evolutionary psychologists, and the concept of the extended phenotype. I'd rather not elaborate upon these ideas here. What's important is that his view of executive functions in evolution was predicated on some pretty easy-to-access books and I'm my eyes indicate he spends more time trying to build theories ex nihil on the subject rather than looking to see what is already out there.
Either way. I was not so happy with this book. I one day hope there can be a comprehensive book such as this one that complements its title. This surely is not that book.
I recommend this book to the curious. Perhaps you will get more out of it than I did.
Instead what I received in this book was the classic foray of the modern public intellectual type mixed with the research of a sophisticated clinician. Indeed, there was a sort of compliment embedded in that sentence. His clinical commentary, and further, commentary on the weakness of EF as a coherent concept was all quite useful and insightful. When he went into 'How EF works' his writings began to get shaky, but were pretty good, and then took a horrible tailspin on its evolutionary aspects.
To break that down:
He begins the book criticizing the lack of coherence in the concept of executive functioning and then evinces with a bunch of evidence from different writings showing many of the different ways these processes have been conceptualized by different authors. Later he more or less proposes that we stick with a few of them. This section was honestly pretty masterful. His first chapter or two were truly a very good reference on many ways that the concepts have been articulated.
Near the end of the book, he espouses ways that people with ADHD can practically integrate this information into their day-to-day life. Both of these areas were highly informative and showed he had very good command over that material.
As for how these executive functions work. Meaning, how one's mind is able to function in a goal-directed manner towards a specific aim over time, his commentary here was ok. I think much of his commentary on this section was fairly good, though I will need to likely reread it to better comprehend his ideas. I was though by no means blown away, nor did I feel as if I was encountering writings that would be cemented in a classic. regarding the neurologic aspects of executive function, we are left pretty unclear. He mentions *some* stuff about embodied emotions and spoke about the existence of the prefrontal cortex without reference to any legit anatomy. I should remark here, had a brief comment near the end of the book stating that neuropsychology moved past localization, and now uses neuroimaging in its stead. This comment shows he doesn't know much about neural imaging and the recent criticisms about it which can be seen in the writings of Russell Poldrack (yes another Russell), and Buzsáki's recent book on looking at the brain from a brain's eye viewpoint rather than from the viewpoint of a psychologist..... His comments on this front ...hurt his credulity in my eyes as it showed he misunderstood the history of structure and function in neurology, misunderstanding that localization has been replaced by network science, not brain imaging. Indeed this is all odd given his vague comments about the PFC near the start of the book.
As for the part on the evolution on these executive functions, he spends a good deal of words synthesizing some mix of Von Mises' human action, the writings of some evolutionary psychologists, and the concept of the extended phenotype. I'd rather not elaborate upon these ideas here. What's important is that his view of executive functions in evolution was predicated on some pretty easy-to-access books and I'm my eyes indicate he spends more time trying to build theories ex nihil on the subject rather than looking to see what is already out there.
Either way. I was not so happy with this book. I one day hope there can be a comprehensive book such as this one that complements its title. This surely is not that book.
I recommend this book to the curious. Perhaps you will get more out of it than I did.
February 15, 2014
This is the BEST psych book I have ever read (and I've read a lot). Highly recommended to every mental health worker and psychologist out there. Also good for family members of individuals with EF deficits- though it is a technical book and not in laymans terms. Barkley does not mention Autism specifically, but one can easily see how a substantial portion of the symptoms of Autism are due to primary deficits in executive functioning. It is important that folks understand that EF deficits are chronic and widely impactful in all areas if life. He also does not directly address the complaint I hear often- that folks don't want to use medication because it's a "band aid". Medication is the only direct treatment we have. It's a rare person/system who has the ability, resources and motivation to truly make all the necessary environmental changes (ie- non medication treatments) needed to help someone with EF deficits to be successful.
Heather,
Psychologist specializing in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Heather,
Psychologist specializing in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
September 3, 2021
While the book is not wholly without merit, it suffers from a lot of problems not only from a scientific standpoint, but also from a philosophical one. Thankfully this sort of thinking seems to be slowly going away, but Barkley is an excellent example of everything wrong with the field of psychiatry as it is known today - speaking from a position of authority and control, a desire to homogenize and fit into an existing social order, the ranking of people in a one dimension of "abnormal/deficient" to normal. He even goes a step further to sprinkle in his own American politics and red terror.
From choice quotes such us praise for Evolutionary Psychology, to a "some groups are simply less evolved and incapable of utilizing executive functions", Berkley presents an extremely narrow and reductive view of human psychology and society, one that gets more twisted and less scientific the more he tries to explain modern society in terms of executive function and nothing else. This myopic, ill conceived understanding of society relaying on a lot of outdated (and this is the nicest way to put it) understandings of society and the world. There isn't even a hint of the idea that contrary to what he assumes, people with impaired EF* might be existing in a world that is inaccessible to them, rather than the other way around. His suggestions on how to deal with executive function (helpful, and the only real redeeming part of this work), expose that *everyone* needs them, everyone makes use of them, which immediately lends itself to the idea that even if those in the category need them more, or in a different capacity, they are *different*, not insufficient, inferior, or less evolved. It is very fitting that he continually talks about morals, the irony being that society is incredibly hostile to people with EF difficulties, and often seeks to shame, or worse, on "moral" grounds. The acknowledgement that "we can't help it", while good, cannot break this fundamental putting down of a group of people with merit and worth equal to anyone else. There isn't even a whiff of a suggestion that we might actually be more competent at certain tasks than others, but that would require some actual humility and equality in the patient-doctor relationship.
I feel for his patients, and am wary of his peers, for he still looms as a great and overbearing figure in the ADHD and EF world.
From choice quotes such us praise for Evolutionary Psychology, to a "some groups are simply less evolved and incapable of utilizing executive functions", Berkley presents an extremely narrow and reductive view of human psychology and society, one that gets more twisted and less scientific the more he tries to explain modern society in terms of executive function and nothing else. This myopic, ill conceived understanding of society relaying on a lot of outdated (and this is the nicest way to put it) understandings of society and the world. There isn't even a hint of the idea that contrary to what he assumes, people with impaired EF* might be existing in a world that is inaccessible to them, rather than the other way around. His suggestions on how to deal with executive function (helpful, and the only real redeeming part of this work), expose that *everyone* needs them, everyone makes use of them, which immediately lends itself to the idea that even if those in the category need them more, or in a different capacity, they are *different*, not insufficient, inferior, or less evolved. It is very fitting that he continually talks about morals, the irony being that society is incredibly hostile to people with EF difficulties, and often seeks to shame, or worse, on "moral" grounds. The acknowledgement that "we can't help it", while good, cannot break this fundamental putting down of a group of people with merit and worth equal to anyone else. There isn't even a whiff of a suggestion that we might actually be more competent at certain tasks than others, but that would require some actual humility and equality in the patient-doctor relationship.
I feel for his patients, and am wary of his peers, for he still looms as a great and overbearing figure in the ADHD and EF world.
September 23, 2012
Russell Barkley is, of course, my ADHD and Executive Functions guru, and the book was cutting edge in terms of the EF field (definition and diagnosis). More implementation ideas would have strengthened my rating.
May 3, 2021
[3.5 stars, rounded up as I write this review bc as dry as it was, it's def fascinating and informative] I know I went out on a limb with this book. As an academic (albeit in humanities, not social science/psychology) with somewhat controlled but chronically debilitating executive dysfunction (among other disorders) I thought I'd take a crack at it. This book is certainly not for patients (and it's arguably a bit triggering/offensive from that perspective) and it doesn't even seem like an accessible resource for most practitioners. It's pretty much for research psychologists and high level medical professionals only. I used every ounce of memory from high school/low level college bio and anthro courses I've taken lol.
That being said, this book was still quite interesting and informative, particularly if one is willing to skim certain sections. Barkley meanders through a rigorous theoretical progression where he explains the evolutionary purpose of executive functions to human society-both individually and collectively. His most interesting point here (at least to me) is an argument that religions likely developed specifically to aid individuals and communities in long term executive functioning (ie. a sense of constant surveillance/accountability, forms of time-keeping, cultivation of delayed gratification, commitment to the collective good over personal desire, etc.).
I was also intrigued by the fact that Barkley makes little distinction between disorders like ADHD and more physical brain trauma to the prefrontal cortex. I guess it's a matter of hardware and software potentially malfunctioning in similar ways, but I never saw ADHD as part of the spectrum of Phineas Gage-level brain damage. As a historian, this also made me think a lot about the history of lobotomies in managing supposedly unruly or socially deviant individuals.
If you just want to know about the nature of EF to better understand yourself, I'd say just to read the last chapter, "Implications for the Assessment and Clinical Management of Deficits in Executive Functioning." Though I don't think he captures the struggles of being twice exceptional or the distinct culture/personality development that exists among real-life neurodivergent people, Barkley shares a few key insights that are worth remembering.
Essentially, Barkley asserts that PFC conditions are not curable and that even behavioral interventions must be periodically reinforced and reconstructed in order to remain effective. Basically, you cannot train yourself out of having ADHD, or even out of acting like you have ADHD. Instead, Barkley likens these conditions to physical disabilities for which one needs "prosthetics" and ongoing clinical and familial support in order to manage daily life effectively. As much as practical strategies can and do help with functioning, medication is still the most effective innovation, because ADHD brains literally lack the tools/innate ability to effectively navigate executive functions on their own.
There was also something very poetic about Barkley's reflection on people with PFC issues having an archive of records that demonstrate the ongoing consequences of these problems. Whether through bad report cards, divorces, resume gaps, criminal records, addictions, or even premature death, people with PFC struggles leave a distinct trail of clues in their wake. (Being twice exceptional means that my own records are unusually conventional, but the evidence is definitely there if you know where to look).
Overall, this is a fascinating book and I'm hoping to try some of Barkley's other books that may be a bit more accessible. As he argues here, executive dysfunction is a lifelong journey and this book has been a notable moment in that saga and the endless trek towards self understanding and acceptance.
That being said, this book was still quite interesting and informative, particularly if one is willing to skim certain sections. Barkley meanders through a rigorous theoretical progression where he explains the evolutionary purpose of executive functions to human society-both individually and collectively. His most interesting point here (at least to me) is an argument that religions likely developed specifically to aid individuals and communities in long term executive functioning (ie. a sense of constant surveillance/accountability, forms of time-keeping, cultivation of delayed gratification, commitment to the collective good over personal desire, etc.).
I was also intrigued by the fact that Barkley makes little distinction between disorders like ADHD and more physical brain trauma to the prefrontal cortex. I guess it's a matter of hardware and software potentially malfunctioning in similar ways, but I never saw ADHD as part of the spectrum of Phineas Gage-level brain damage. As a historian, this also made me think a lot about the history of lobotomies in managing supposedly unruly or socially deviant individuals.
If you just want to know about the nature of EF to better understand yourself, I'd say just to read the last chapter, "Implications for the Assessment and Clinical Management of Deficits in Executive Functioning." Though I don't think he captures the struggles of being twice exceptional or the distinct culture/personality development that exists among real-life neurodivergent people, Barkley shares a few key insights that are worth remembering.
Essentially, Barkley asserts that PFC conditions are not curable and that even behavioral interventions must be periodically reinforced and reconstructed in order to remain effective. Basically, you cannot train yourself out of having ADHD, or even out of acting like you have ADHD. Instead, Barkley likens these conditions to physical disabilities for which one needs "prosthetics" and ongoing clinical and familial support in order to manage daily life effectively. As much as practical strategies can and do help with functioning, medication is still the most effective innovation, because ADHD brains literally lack the tools/innate ability to effectively navigate executive functions on their own.
There was also something very poetic about Barkley's reflection on people with PFC issues having an archive of records that demonstrate the ongoing consequences of these problems. Whether through bad report cards, divorces, resume gaps, criminal records, addictions, or even premature death, people with PFC struggles leave a distinct trail of clues in their wake. (Being twice exceptional means that my own records are unusually conventional, but the evidence is definitely there if you know where to look).
Overall, this is a fascinating book and I'm hoping to try some of Barkley's other books that may be a bit more accessible. As he argues here, executive dysfunction is a lifelong journey and this book has been a notable moment in that saga and the endless trek towards self understanding and acceptance.
April 24, 2022
Dr. Russell Barkley, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the formative expert on ADHD, has been influential in my understanding of brain science and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in the area of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. After watching numerous talks and presentations from Dr. Barkley and reading other works from him, I decided to read Executive Function, his book detailing his research and findings on all things EF, which is the area of the brain that, among other things, regulates emotion, self-control, planning, and working memory.
I found this text thoroughly interesting, but I do not have a medical background in psych, and as a result, had to swim through a lot of information that was clinical and a bit dry. However, as a mom to two clinically diagnosed ADHD children, and as an adult who, while clinically undiagnosed, exhibits many of the signs of ADHD, I found it fascinating and informative even if a bit dense and technical. This text in detail explained the nuances of executive function and self-regulation. The impact EF has on a person’s individual and social interactions with others sheds light on the behaviors of those with disorders that are impacted by PFC (EF) injuries or disorders.
The chapter on the Tactical-Reciprocal level of EF was one of the more insightful chapters in the text. The conversation about self-awareness and foresight helped me to understand how people form their ethics, and morals and pursue goals as a way to advance their own self-interests. The following chapter on the Strategic-Cooperative level was also insightful.
In all, I wouldn’t exactly recommend this book for a person with no medical background or interest in brain science and the prefrontal cortex and executive function. However, for someone with an interest in the latter, it is certainly a worthwhile text to give a go.
I found this text thoroughly interesting, but I do not have a medical background in psych, and as a result, had to swim through a lot of information that was clinical and a bit dry. However, as a mom to two clinically diagnosed ADHD children, and as an adult who, while clinically undiagnosed, exhibits many of the signs of ADHD, I found it fascinating and informative even if a bit dense and technical. This text in detail explained the nuances of executive function and self-regulation. The impact EF has on a person’s individual and social interactions with others sheds light on the behaviors of those with disorders that are impacted by PFC (EF) injuries or disorders.
The chapter on the Tactical-Reciprocal level of EF was one of the more insightful chapters in the text. The conversation about self-awareness and foresight helped me to understand how people form their ethics, and morals and pursue goals as a way to advance their own self-interests. The following chapter on the Strategic-Cooperative level was also insightful.
In all, I wouldn’t exactly recommend this book for a person with no medical background or interest in brain science and the prefrontal cortex and executive function. However, for someone with an interest in the latter, it is certainly a worthwhile text to give a go.
December 26, 2022
If you have ADHD do not read this book unless you are feeling really secure and are able to process being dehumanized.
It is wild to me that this man wrote an entire book about how “deficient” ADHDers are yet has no self awareness of his own toxicity and bigotry. Like maybe I have very few exec function skills but at least I have a heart. Who’s really lacking self awareness, sir? Not ONE strength of ADHDers is considered. Not one.
I felt when reading this that the author would be very happy for people with ADHD to be institutionalized. He blatantly says society (aka neurotypicals) should consider putting us in group living or to be wards or relatives to “protect us.”
There are some important ideas in here that I will use for good and to help people with ADHD, but that’s not because of you, sir, but in spite of you.
It is wild to me that this man wrote an entire book about how “deficient” ADHDers are yet has no self awareness of his own toxicity and bigotry. Like maybe I have very few exec function skills but at least I have a heart. Who’s really lacking self awareness, sir? Not ONE strength of ADHDers is considered. Not one.
I felt when reading this that the author would be very happy for people with ADHD to be institutionalized. He blatantly says society (aka neurotypicals) should consider putting us in group living or to be wards or relatives to “protect us.”
There are some important ideas in here that I will use for good and to help people with ADHD, but that’s not because of you, sir, but in spite of you.
January 3, 2021
Highly recommended to every teacher, mental health worker and psychologist. To any parent who has children who strugle with EF deficits.
It is important that people understand that EF deficits are chronic and widely impactful in all areas of life.
Knowing what EF are helps a lot to stay sharp in everyday battle of autistic children. Thanks a lot.
It is important that people understand that EF deficits are chronic and widely impactful in all areas of life.
Knowing what EF are helps a lot to stay sharp in everyday battle of autistic children. Thanks a lot.
January 27, 2025
This book is not intended for the general public. He says as much that the book is targeted at clinicians and other professionals as a means to evaluate and discuss current research, challenges surrounding testing and theories, and his own hypothesis. The last chapter is the most valuable to the layperson but not in great detail. Self management and treatment are not in the scope of this book.
March 25, 2023
Not what I was looking for. Makes the important point that EF is not clearly defined in the scientific world therefore research is questionable. Explains their theory of EF. Does not give practical application for teachers
March 21, 2023
86: 2023
2.5
This one was a slog. Way more academic than I expected. Useful information, but not readily applicable to immediate everyday use.
2.5
This one was a slog. Way more academic than I expected. Useful information, but not readily applicable to immediate everyday use.
January 4, 2025
Prefrontal korteks gelişimini 30 yıldan önce tamamlayamaz.
December 15, 2016
This detailed and informative approach to the theory of executive function is one of the best in the field. Offering insights for both academic and interested reader.
May 23, 2013
fascinating but difficult read.
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