Title: The Effects of Maternal Autonomy Support on Preschoolers’ Emotional and Social Competence: The Mediating Effect of Preschoolers’ Executive Function
Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among maternal autonomy support, preschoolersâ executive function, and preschoolersâ emotional and social competence. In addition, the mediating role of preschoolersâ executive function between maternal autonomy support and preschoolersâ emotional and social competence was investigated. Methods A total of 245 preschoolers (130 boys and 115 girls) and their mothers participated in this study. Data were collected through maternal reports. Results First, maternal autonomy support was significantly related to preschoolersâ emotional and social competence. Second, maternal autonomy support was significantly related to preschoolersâ executive function. Third, preschoolersâ executive function was significantly related to emotional and social competence. Fourth, preschoolersâ executive function partially mediated the relationship between maternal autonomy support and preschoolersâ emotional and social competence. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of executive function in attaining emotional and social competence during the preschool period. Keywords: autonomy support, executive function, emotional competence, social competence, preschool period