[Executive functions and high intellectual capacity].

INTRODUCTION: High intellectual capacity is a process in development in which the executive functions (inhibition, working memory and flexibility) play a role in the optimal manifestation of their potential.

AIM: To explore the effectiveness of executive functioning among the profiles of high capacity giftedness and (convergent or divergent) talent.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study examines 78 children with high intellectual capacity aged 8-15 years with profiles of giftedness (n = 21), convergent talent (n = 39) or divergent talent (n = 18). A series of tests were administered including the Battery of Differential and General Aptitudes or the Differential Aptitude Test (depending on the age) and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, as well as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Corsi Test and the Go-No Go Test by means of the Psychology Experiment Building Language platform. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine the relationship between executive function and intellectual profile.

RESULTS: Significant differences are obtained between the profiles studied and the executive functions of flexibility and inhibition, but not in working memory.

CONCLUSION: Working memory is similar across the profiles studied, but the complex profile of giftedness displays better executive functioning, with greater flexibility and inhibition than talent, especially of the convergent type.