Effects of household chaos and parental responsiveness on child executive functions: a novel, multi-method approach

Bibliographic Details
Title: Effects of household chaos and parental responsiveness on child executive functions: a novel, multi-method approach
Authors: Krysta Andrews, James R. Dunn, Heather Prime, Eric Duku, Leslie Atkinson, Ashwini Tiwari, Andrea Gonzalez
Source: BMC Psychology, Vol 9, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2021)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2021.
Publication Year: 2021
Collection: LCC:Psychology
Subject Terms: Household chaos, Child, Executive functions, Parental responsiveness, Psychology, BF1-990
More Details: Abstract Background Executive functions can be adversely affected by contextual risks in the home environment including chaos and parenting challenges. Furthermore, household chaos negatively influences parenting practices. Few studies, however, have examined the role of parenting in the association between household chaos and child executive functions. Methods Using a sample of 128 school-aged children (mean = 61.9 months, SD = 2.0, range 58–68 months) and their mothers, the present study examined direct and indirect effects (via parental responsiveness) of household chaos on child executive functioning. Multi-measures were used including performance-based assessments, behavioural observations, questionnaires, and video-home tours. Results Household chaos had both a direct effect on child executive functions (β = − .31, 95% CI [− .58, − .04]) and an indirect effect (β = − .05, 95% [− .13, − .01]) via parental responsiveness. Further, the indirect effect was only significant for household instability. Conclusion These findings indicate that parental responsiveness may be compromised by household chaos, with implications for the executive functions of school-aged children. Preventative strategies are needed to improve the stability in the home and strengthen parenting practices.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2050-7283
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2050-7283
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00651-1
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/c271bc4646fe4ee0a9c87144d04d97b7
Accession Number: edsdoj.271bc4646fe4ee0a9c87144d04d97b7
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:20507283
DOI:10.1186/s40359-021-00651-1
Published in:BMC Psychology
Language:English