Exploring patterns of children’s executive function and their association with social-emotional competence: a latent profile analysis

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Executive Function and Social-Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study used latent profile analysis to identify heterogeneous executive function (EF) profiles among 453 Chinese preschoolers (aged 3–6) and their associations with social-emotional competence (SEC). Four profiles emerged: High-Achieving (80.57%, strong EF); Balanced-Moderate (5.08%, moderate EF); Extremely Low inhibitory control (6.84%, severe IC deficits); and High IC–Low working memory (7.51%, strong IC with WM deficits). These profiles were differentially associated with SEC, with the High-Achieving group outperforming others in emotional regulation, initiative, and behavioral concerns. Component-specific profiles revealed nuanced mechanisms: IC deficits impaired behavioral regulation, while WM limitations constrained initiative, supporting the differentiated EF hypothesis. The High-Achieving profile’s dominance likely reflects Chinese cultural and socioeconomic advantages, underscoring the need for tailored interventions.

Authors

• Mengyan Fang, Shaanxi Normal University

• Chenyi Zhang, Georgia State University