Miriam Kuhn, Courtney E. Boise, Christine A. Marvin, L. Knoche
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Although the literature regarding associations between young children's social emotional competencies and their executive functions (EF) is growing, there continue to be divergent accounts of the relationship between specific challenging behaviors (e.g., impulsivity, aggression, defiance, short attention span, withdrawal) and particular EF deficits (e.g., poor attentional control, flexibility, inhibitory self-control, working memory, and/or planning/organization) in young children. This mixed-methods study explores this relationship for a population of 19 preschool children. The study includes analysis of interviews with parents, teachers, and early childhood coaches for 4 of the children. Results demonstrated a significant relationship between teacher reports of challenging behaviors and deficits in global EF skills. In addition, participants provided a rich qualitative description of the children's challenges with inhibitory self-control, flexibility, and attention control. Oppositional or defiant behaviors were also prevalent within this group of 4 children. The constellation of difficulties for these children has implications for adults aiming to support positive social development and suggests next steps for research regarding behavioral targets and strategies and the collaborative parent–professional team efforts needed to address the children's needs.
期刊介绍:
Infants & Young Children is an interdisciplinary journal focusing on vulnerable children from birth to five years of age and their families. Of special interest are articles involving innovative interventions, summaries of important research developments and their implications for practice, updates for high priority topic areas, balanced presentations of controversial issues, and articles that address issues involving policy, professional training, new conceptual models, and related matters. Although data are often presented primarily to illustrate points, some types of data-based articles may be appropriate.