Socioeconomic status and executive function: developmental trajectories and mediation
Daniel A Hackman1, Robert Gallop2, Gary W Evans3
1Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Society, Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Developmental Science
|February 10, 2015
Summary
Early childhood socioeconomic status (SES) predicts executive function (EF) disparities that persist through middle childhood. Home environment characteristics partially explain this persistent SES-EF relationship.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Sociology
Background:
- Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is known to influence executive function (EF).
- However, the developmental trajectory of SES-related EF disparities and the specific environmental factors involved remain unclear.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing achievement and health gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental course of SES-related disparities in EF.
- To examine the impact of changes in SES during childhood on EF.
- To identify specific childhood experiences that mediate the relationship between SES and EF.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using data from the NICHD Study of Early Childcare (n=1009).
- Assessed SES indicators (income-to-needs, maternal education) and EF (working memory, planning) at multiple time points.
- Employed mediation analyses to explore the role of home characteristics and maternal sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Early SES indicators predicted EF in first grade and at 54 months.
- SES-related EF disparities emerged early and remained consistent through middle childhood.
- Changes in family income were linked to significant changes in planning and working memory.
- Home environment characteristics mediated the SES-EF association, with maternal sensitivity specifically linked to maternal education and planning.
Conclusions:
- SES-related differences in EF emerge early and persist throughout childhood.
- These disparities are partially explained by home and family environment characteristics.
- Early and persistent SES-EF gaps may contribute to broader socioeconomic disparities in achievement and health.
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