Executive Functions in Children with Speech Sound Disorders: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Studies Conducted in Türkiye

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Objective: Speech sound disorder (SSD) is common developmental communication disorders increasingly viewed as embedded within broader cognitive processes. Executive functions (EF) support speech production, phonological representation, and self-regulation; however, their multidimensional nature is not consistently reflected in SSD research. This study aimed to systematically examine how EF have been conceptualized, operationalized, and reported in studies of children with SSD conducted in Türkiye. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted on studies published up to 2025 that investigated EF in children with SSD. Postgraduate theses and peer-reviewed journal articles were retrieved from databases and analyzed using predefined categories focusing on methodological characteristics, EF components, measurement approaches, and reported findings. All studies were independently coded by 2 researchers, and discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were master‘s theses. The analysis revealed a strong tendency to conceptualize EF primarily through working memory, while inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility were markedly underrepresented. Measurement approaches relied mainly on standardized, performance-based assessments targeting verbal working memory. Executive function performance in children with SSD varied with age, sex, and clinical severity. Limited intervention-based evidence suggested that EF may be sensitive to the cognitive scope of therapeutic approaches. Conclusion: The national literature on EF in children with SSD in Türkiye reflects a consistent but narrow focus. Future research should adopt more multidimensional, ecologically informed, and longitudinal designs to strengthen conceptual understanding and clinical relevance. Cite this article as: Cankuvvet N, Gör GN. Executive functions in children with speech sound disorders: A qualitative content analysis of studies conducted in Türkiye. Arch Health Sci Res. 2026, 13, 0341, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2026.25341.