A Longitudinal Investigation of the Effect of Temperament on Young Children's Problem Behavior: Focusing on the Mediating Role of Peer Interaction

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Young Children's Peer Interactions and Social Behaviors

Abstract

This study was to investigate the effect of temperament on young children’s problem behavior and to test the mediation of peer interaction between them. We found that temperament had a positive effect on problem behavior. Sociability and emotionality seem crucial in explaining children’s later problem behavior. Specifically, negative emotionality was found to be associated with children’s higher problem behavior directly and indirectly. The indirect effect of sociability on problem behavior through peer interaction was greater than direct effect on it. The indirect effect of emotionality was not statistically significant, while direct effect on problem behavior were positively significant. Activity, however, did not significantly predict both peer interaction and problem behavior.

Authors

• Jee Eun Han, Chonbuk National University

• JungSoo Kim

• Hyo Jin Lim, Chonbuk National University