What is NOT one of the components of executive functioning?

Social empathy is not considered a component of executive functioning, which primarily focuses on cognitive processes that enable an individual to plan, prioritize, complete tasks, and regulate emotions and behaviors. Executive functioning includes elements such as initiation and drive—referring to the ability to start tasks; task persistence, which is the capacity to sustain attention and effort on a task even in the face of challenges; and organization, which involves arranging materials and tasks methodically. These skills are essential for self-regulation and goal-directed behavior.

In contrast, social empathy pertains to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which, while it is an important interpersonal skill, does not fall under the categorization of executive functioning. Thus, recognizing social empathy as outside of executive functioning helps clarify the distinction between cognitive skills involved in self-management and emotional or social skills that pertain to interactions with others.