The Role of Temperament and Parenting in the Prediction of Preschool Problem Behaviors
Open Access
Author:
Meade, Laura E
Area of Honors:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Cynthia A. Stifter, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Kathryn Bancroft Hynes, Thesis Honors Advisor Dr. Kathryn Bancroft Hynes, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
Children Temperament Negative Affect Effortful Control Behavior Problems
Abstract:
Psychopathology is steadily increasing and it has been found that the earlier the diagnosis of the problem, the more severe and longer lasting it will be. Research has shown that the interaction between biology and the environment is the strongest predictor of psychopathology. The aim of this study is to examine two components of temperament, negative affect and effortful control, and their prediction of behavior problems in preschool. The second aim of the study is to examine if positive parenting behaviors mediate the relationship between temperament and behavior problems. It was predicted that high levels of negative affect and low levels of effortful control will be the strongest predictor of behavior problems. Additionally, it was predicted that mom positive parenting behaviors will mediate the interaction between temperament and behavior problems. The study used measures of temperament and parenting behavior sat 2 years (questionnaire and observation), and parental ratings of behavior problems at 4.5 years. Results showed found negative affect to be a strong predictor of behavior problems, while effortful control did not significantly relate to behavior problems. Mother positive affect did not significantly reduce the relationship between negative affect and behavior problems.
