Effect Of Executive Functioning On Positive Youth Development: The Role Of Family Dynamics

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the effect of executive functioning on positive youth development. And to find the mediating role of family dynamic between executive functioning and drug use among university students. The sample (n=370) with age range 18 to 29 years (M=21.94, SD=2.07) was drawn through simple random technique from different universities of Peshawar, KP. Participants were screened using Drug Abuse Screening (DAST-10). Executive functioning was measured according to selected domains of BRIEF-A (inhibit, shift, emotional control and self-monitoring). Family dynamic was assessed through SCORE-15 and Positive youth Development was measured through multidimensional scale of Positive youth Development. Different statistical analysis such as Descriptive statistics, Simple Linear Regression and Mediation analysis were used. Result of Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that DAST has significant negative correlation with Positive youth Development (r=-0.14, p<.05) while significant Positive relationship with impaired executive functioning (r=.25, p<.01) and impaired family dynamic. Moreover, in Simple Linear Regression impaired executive functioning is significant negative predictor of Positive youth Development. In Mediation analysis indirect analysis impaired executive functioning is significantly negatively predict Positive youth Development. While in indirect path impaired poor family dynamics significantly but negatively mediate the relationship between impaired executive functioning and Positive Youth Development. Poor family functioning was itself strong predictor of impaired executive function (β=-.09, p<.01), indicating that students with higher drug abuse tend to come from more dysfunctional families, which in turn to poor executive functioning and disturbed positive youth development. It is suggested that strength-based therapies are conventional and effective Therapeutic plan to use with universities student to maximize their potential and enhance their positive relationship with their families.