Central auditory processing and problem behaviors in Saudi preschool children aged 4-6 years: The mediating role of...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Central auditory processing (CAP) and executive function (EF) are crucial for child development.
• Problem behaviors in preschool children can impact social and academic outcomes.
• Understanding the interplay between CAP, EF, and problem behaviors is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationships between CAP, problem behaviors, and EF in preschool children.
• To examine the mediating role of EF in the association between CAP and problem behaviors.
• To provide insights into the developmental pathways influencing behavior in early childhood.

Main Methods:

• Cross-cultural study involving 220 preschool children (ages 4-6).
• Utilized random stratification sampling and questionnaire-based data collection.
• Employed SPSS 20.0 for statistical analysis and Mplus 7.0 for mediation analysis using structural equation modeling.

Main Results:

• CAP significantly and negatively predicted problem behaviors.
• EF significantly and negatively predicted problem behaviors.
• CAP positively predicted EF, and EF partially mediated the relationship between CAP and problem behaviors (59% of the total effect).

Conclusions:

• Executive function plays a significant mediating role in how central auditory processing affects problem behaviors.
• Interventions targeting CAP and EF may help reduce problem behaviors in preschool settings.
• This study offers a novel perspective on the cognitive and behavioral development of young children.