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Children's Executive Function Attenuate the Link Between Maternal Intrusiveness and Internalizing Behaviors at School
Noa Gueron-Sela1,2, Rachael Bedford3, Nicholas J Wagner4
1a Department of Psychology , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Summary
Harsh parenting increases child internalizing behaviors, but strong executive function (EF) protects children. EF buffers the negative effects of harsh parenting on behavior development in early school years.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Internalizing behaviors in children can lead to significant mental health challenges.
- Early childhood experiences, including parenting styles and cognitive abilities, are crucial for development.
- Executive function (EF) plays a key role in emotional regulation and behavior management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and interactive effects of harsh-intrusive maternal parenting and children's executive function on internalizing behaviors.
- To understand how these factors influence the development of internalizing behaviors from kindergarten through early school years.
- To identify potential protective factors against the development of internalizing behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A diverse sample of 137 children (ages 5-7) was studied.
- Maternal harsh-intrusive parenting was assessed via a structured play task at age 5.
- Children's executive function (inhibitory control, working memory, attention set-shifting) was measured at age 5.
- Teacher reports were used to assess children's internalizing behaviors at ages 5, 6, and 7.
Main Results:
- Harsh-intrusive parenting at age 5 positively predicted increased internalizing behaviors in early school years.
- Higher executive function abilities at age 5 were associated with lower levels of internalizing behaviors.
- Executive function acted as a buffer: the link between harsh parenting and internalizing behaviors was significant only for children with low EF.
Conclusions:
- Reducing harsh parenting and enhancing children's executive function may be effective intervention strategies.
- Interventions targeting both parenting and child EF can help prevent the rise of internalizing behaviors during school transitions.
- Early intervention focusing on executive function and positive parenting is crucial for mitigating internalizing behaviors.
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