Executive functions (EFs) make possible mentally playing with ideas; taking the time to think
before acting; meeting novel, unanticipated challenges; resisting temptations; and staying
focused. Core EFs are inhibition [response inhibition (self-control—resisting temptations and
resisting acting impulsively) and interference control (selective attention and cognitive
inhibition)], working memory, and cognitive flexibility (including creatively thinking “outside
the box,” seeing anything from different perspectives, and quickly and flexibly adapting to …