The Effect of Maternal Cognitive Empathy on Preschooler's Executive Function: Mediating Effects of Preschooler's Caring Behavior and Happiness

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 fiveyear-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.