Executive Functions and Juvenile Delinquency: A Comparative Analysis of Institutionalized Adolescents in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION

. During adolescence, conduct disorders emerge, associated with frontal alterations and executive function (EF) deficits, influencing delinquent trajectories. The study aimed to compare EF in delinquent (N = 125) and non-delinquent (N = 153) adolescents.

METHOD

We administered the WCST, TMT-2, PM, Go/NoGo, ToL, and Wechsler backward digit span tests, and conducted both parametric and non-parametric MANOVA/MANCOVA.

RESULTS

Delinquents exhibited more non-perseverative (WCST), type 2 (ToL), and total (PM) errors, as well as more NoGo errors and lifting movements (TMT-2). Non-delinquents showed more stops/pauses (TMT-2), longer GO reaction times, and higher memory scores (ID-W). Differences were significant (p < .001) with small-to-moderate effect sizes. These differences persisted after controlling for IQ, and age did not influence the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Delinquents demonstrated poorer inhibitory control, reduced interference control, and lower working memory, potentially linked to early delinquent trajectories. These findings support interventions focused on improving EF in vulnerable populations.