In the context of adulthood, attending to students by focusing on all components of executive functions and preventing consequences related to their physical and psychological health appears essential. The present study investigated the canonical correlation between executive dysfunctions and mental health problems in students. This descriptive-correlational research design was conducted in 2023 with a statistical population comprising students from universities and higher education institutions in Mashhad. A sample of 245 individuals was selected through convenience sampling. Datawere collected using the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and canonical correlation analysis to examine the relationships between two sets of variables: predictors (executive dysfunctions) and criteria (symptoms of mental disorders). The results indicated a significant relationship between executive dysfunctions and various forms of psychopathology (P≤0.01). Therefore, executive functions may represent an important target for psychopathology prevention programs and interventions.

Keywords