Executive Function Skills and Early School Success in Young Chinese Children From Low-Income Families

• In Event: 35.033 - Executive Functioning in Childhood

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how socioeconomic disparity in executive functioning (EF) affect early school competence of young Chinese children. The relations of maternal and paternal parenting styles with EF are also examined. A random sample of 138 young Chinese children (48.1% low SES) aged 4-6 across four local kindergarteners were recruited. Each child was administrated with three EF tasks (working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) in fall 2015 and spring 2016. Socioeconomic disparities were found in average EF performance at both time points and change in EF. EF significantly predicted higher growth in early academic competence and lower growth in impulsive behaviors. Over-protective parenting predicted lower EF whereas authoritative paternal parenting predicted higher EF above and beyond SES.

Authors

• Chi-Keung Chan, Hong Kong Shue Yan University

• J.J. Cutuli, Rutgers University - Camden

• Janette HERBERS, Villanova University

• Xiao Zhang, The University of Hong Kong

• Pak-Ho Wong, Hong Kong Shue Yan University

• Man Wai Kung, Hong Kong Shue Yan University