The study explored hypothesized mediation of social interaction skills between executive functions and social engagement among adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia. Participants ( N = 92; 62% boys; age = 16.8) were assessed four weeks after hospitalization using previously validated scales. A regression mediation analysis followed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM; with bootstrap analysis) supported the hypothesis. Executive functions were significantly associated with communication skills, which in turn was associated with social engagement (indirect effect = 0.29; standardized). These findings highlight the importance of understanding the heterogeneity of executive functions among adolescent patients with schizophrenia, and the subsequent association with their social skills and engagement.

The DOAEF may be useful in assessing the level of mediation, which patients need for the comprehension of daily situations in which EFs are required.

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