Perceived executive function

The Barkley Deficits in Executive Function Scale–Short Form (BDEFS-SF) is used to evaluate executive function in adults ages 18–81 [8]. The instrument shows the types and extent of perceived executive function deficits in daily activities over an extended period of time [8]. Items on the self-report version assess how often participants have engaged in behaviors that represent specific types of executive functioning over the past 6 months: time management, self-organization/problem-solving, self-restraint, self-motivation, and self-regulation of emotion. Items are measured on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 = never or rarely to 4 = very often. The short form contains 20 items and requires 4–5 min to complete. Scores from each subscale are tallied and added to yield a total score. Percentile ranks are computed from the raw scores and compared with norms determined by age. Higher percentile rankings within a subscale represent greater executive functioning deficits in that particular area. Higher percentile scores from the total raw score represent general executive functioning deficits. Internal consistency for the short-form scale is high, with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92. Pearson’s r correlations across subscales have been found to range from 0.55 to 0.80; test-retest reliability, from 0.62 to 0.80 in prior studies [8].