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Parental corporal punishment in relation to children's executive function and externalizing behavior problems in
Xiaopei Xing1, Meifang Wang2, Zhengyan Wang1
1a Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Research Center for Child Development, Department of Psychology , Capital Normal University , Beijing , P.R.China.
Social Neuroscience
|November 8, 2016
Summary
Parental corporal punishment (CP) impacts children's behavior. This study found executive function (EF) mediates this link, with working memory for fathers and inhibitory control for mothers, highlighting EF's role in child development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Parental corporal punishment (CP) is a prevalent disciplinary method with potential negative impacts on child development.
- Executive functions (EF) are crucial cognitive skills that develop throughout childhood and influence behavior.
- Understanding the interplay between CP, EF, and behavioral problems is vital for effective parenting interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of working memory and inhibitory control in the relationship between paternal and maternal CP and children's externalizing behaviors.
- To examine how different facets of executive function (EF) are associated with externalizing behaviors in response to parental CP.
- To explore potential gender differences in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 328 Chinese preschool-aged children, their parents, and teachers participated.
- Paternal and maternal CP were assessed via father and mother reports, respectively.
- Children's EF was measured using the Executive Function Touch program, and externalizing behaviors were reported by mothers and teachers.
Main Results:
- Structural equation modeling indicated that working memory mediated the link between paternal CP and externalizing behaviors.
- Inhibitory control was found to mediate the relationship between maternal CP and externalizing behaviors.
- No significant gender differences were observed in the studied relationships.
Conclusions:
- Executive function (EF) plays a critical role in mediating the impact of parental corporal punishment (CP) on children's externalizing behaviors.
- Working memory and inhibitory control are distinct pathways through which paternal and maternal CP influence child behavior.
- These findings underscore the importance of supporting children's EF development to mitigate negative behavioral outcomes associated with parental CP.
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