Abstract
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.