Exploring the Unique and Interactive Contribution of Temperament and Executive Functioning to Parenting Behaviors

Abstract

Although research is unequivocal concerning the important role of parenting in the prediction of a range of youth psychosocial outcomes, few empirical studies have examined potential contributions of parental individual differences factors to variability in parenting behaviors. Among the few studies that have, individual differences in affective dimensions of temperament (i.e., Negative Temperament [NT] and Positive Temperament [PT]) and executive functioning (EF) have individually emerged as potential key processes underlying parenting behaviors; however, they have yet to be examined jointly. Thus, using a latent variable approach, within a racially and ethnically diverse community sample of 166 parents, the current study examined the joint and interactive contribution of temperament and EF in the explanation of parenting. Further, despite conceptual overlap, parenting research has historically employed two distinct conceptual approaches: parenting practices and styles. The current study thus fitted a single integrative three-factor model (i.e., positive parenting, negative parenting, and corporal punishment) of parenting behaviors that included both styles and practices. Results suggested that parenting behaviors can be conceptualized within a single, three-factor model, allowing for the incorporation of historically distinct conceptions of parenting. Further, results revealed that affective dimensions of temperament and EF were uniquely but differentially associated with all parenting domains and EF moderated the associations between both NT and PT and positive parenting. All told, the current study provides support for an integrative model of parenting behaviors and parental temperament and EF, and their interaction, as potential critical processes associated with individual variability across parenting behaviors

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