Work

Longitudinal associations between executive function and positive parenting during early childhood and resilience, self-regulation, and behavioral problems in school-age children

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Longitudinal studies of associations between executive function (EF) and parenting behaviors during early childhood and resilience, self-regulation, and behavioral problems in school-age children are scarce. This study aims to evaluate long-term associations between EF and parenting behaviors during preschool and resilience, self-regulatory efficacy, and behavioral problems in 9-year-old children. METHODS: From February 2021-March 2022, 195 participants were enrolled from a larger longitudinal study conducted since age 6 months. Parents reported child EF difficulties and behavioral problems at ages 4, 6, and 9, as well as parenting behaviors at ages 4 and 6. Children reported resilience and self-regulatory efficacy at age 9. The relationships between these variables were analyzed using path analysis. RESULTS: Among 195 participants (51.3% female) with a median age of 108 months (interquartile range 108-109), EF difficulties at ages 4 and 6 exhibited direct and indirect relationships with lower resilience, reduced self-regulatory efficacy, and behavioral problems at age 9. Positive parenting at ages 4 and 6 were indirectly associated with better resilience, self-regulatory efficacy, and fewer behavioral problems at age 9, mediated by reduced EF difficulties and behavioral problems during preschool. CONCLUSIONS: EF difficulties during preschool were correlated with decreased resilience, self-regulatory efficacy, and behavioral problems in school-age children. Interventions focusing on promoting EF and positive parenting during early childhood may alleviate behavioral problems and potentially enhance resilience and self-regulatory efficacy during school-age.

Source: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

DOI: 10.1186/s13034-025-00875-8

Authors: Lalin Rungsattatharm, Priyakorn Tasingha, Pon Trairatvorakul, Weerasak Chonchaiya

Institutions: Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190