Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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The Effect of Maternal Cognitive Empathy on Preschooler's Executive Function: Mediating Effects of Preschooler's Caring Behavior and Happiness

어머니의 인지적 공감능력이 유아의 실행기능에 미치는 영향: 유아 배려행동과 행복감의 매개효과

  • Kong, Youngsook (Major in Child & Family Studies, School of Child Studies, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Lim, Jiyoung (Major in Child & Family Studies, School of Child Studies, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • An, Sunjung (Gyeongbuk Women's Policy Development Institute) ;
  • Lee, Yoonjeong (Ulsan Woman & Family Development Institute)
  • 공영숙 (경북대학교 아동가족학전공) ;
  • 임지영 (경북대학교 아동가족학전공, 경북대학교 장수생활과학연구소) ;
  • 안선정 (경북여성정책개발원) ;
  • 이윤정 (울산여성가족개발원)
  • Received : 2021.12.01
  • Accepted : 2022.02.03
  • Published : 2022.02.28
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Abstract

This study examined the effect of maternal cognitive empathy on children's executive function focusing on mediating effects of preschooler's caring behavior and happiness. The subject of this study was 460 five-year-old preschooler-their mother dyads in Korea. Data were collected by Korean Version of Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy(K-QCAE), Caring Behaviors Scale for Young Children, Happiness Scale for Young Children and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version(BRIEF-P). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model and bootstrapping test with SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 23.0 program. The major results were as follows. 1) Maternal cognitive empathy had a positive influence on preschooler's caring behavior. 2) Preschooler's caring behavior had a positive influence on happiness and executive function. 3) Preschooler's happiness had a positive influence on executive function. 4) The effect of maternal cognitive empathy on preschooler's executive function was mediated by preschooler's caring behavior. 5) The effect of maternal cognitive empathy on preschooler's executive function was sequentially mediated by preschooler's caring behavior and happiness. This study revealed that maternal cognitive empathy, preschooler's caring behavior, and happiness have an important role in preschooler's executive function. Most of all, we suggest that maternal cognitive empathy should be improved to promote preschooler's executive function. The findings of this study will contribute to designing intervention programs to improve preschooler's executive function as well as maternal empathy.

Keywords

References

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