Differences in executive functioning between current and former gang members

Executive functioning is considered to entail reasoning, self-regulation, and goal-directed behavior. Deficits in executive functioning may be manifested by impulsivity and aggression (Blair, 2007; Giancola, Roth, and Parrott, 2006; Dolan & Anderson, 2002). It is proposed that delinquency in adolescence is a normal activity that is understandable from the perspective of like-minded teens (Moffitt, 1993). Within this theory it is thought delinquency tends to shift from individual psychopathology in childhood to a normative social experience in adolescence and then reverts back to a psychopathological state in adulthood. Most delinquency remits after adolescence, but there are a small number whose behavior persists into adulthood, and some even for their life course. The antisocial behavior of gang members can be thought of as stable and persistent, and the gang culture breeds an enmeshment that is difficult to break free from; hence, the cycle of antisocial behavior persists. However, there are some gang members who make a choice to break free from the ties of the gang life and live a more prosocial life. This decision and planning can be considered an executive function. The outcomes of antisocial behavior in midlife have seldom been examined. This research study will examine executive functioning differences between current and former gang members and what role it might play in a gang member's ability to leave the gang. This researcher proposes there will be significant differences in executive functioning between current and former gang members, with the former gang members exhibiting greater executive functioning abilities.