Work

The Mediating Role of Executive Function in the Association Between Warm Parenting and Children’s Problem Behaviors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The present study explored the extent to which children’s executive function (EF) mediates the relationship between maternal warm parenting and children’s problem behaviors during the early school-age years. Methods: Using data from a nationally representative sample of 1516 mother–child dyads participating in the Panel Study on Korean Children, the analysis drew on parent-reported measures collected through standardized questionnaires. Results: Structural equation modeling indicated that warm, responsive maternal parenting contributed to lower levels of children’s problem behaviors both directly and indirectly by fostering stronger EF skills. Conclusions: The findings highlight the developmental importance of warm parenting practices and identify children’s EF as a central mechanism through which early caregiving environments promote behavioral adjustment.

Source: Children

DOI: 10.3390/children13020224

Author: Hyungmin Lee

Institution: Hankyong National University

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: $2,896