Abstract
BackgroundExecutive functions can be adversely affected by contextual risks in the home environment including chaos and parenting challenges. Furthermore, household chaos negatively influences parenting practices. Few studies, however, have examined the role of parenting in the association between household chaos and child executive functions.MethodsUsing a sample of 128 school-aged children (mean = 61.9 months, SD = 2.0, range 58–68 months) and their mothers, the present study examined direct and indirect effects (via parental responsiveness) of household chaos on child executive functioning. Multi-measures were used including performance-based assessments, behavioural observations, questionnaires, and video-home tours.ResultsHousehold chaos had both a direct effect on child executive functions (β = − .31, 95% CI [− .58, − .04]) and an indirect effect (β = − .05, 95% [− .13, − .01]) via parental responsiveness. Further, the indirect effect was only significant for household instability.ConclusionThese findings indicate that parental responsiveness may be compromised by household chaos, with implications for the executive functions of school-aged children. Preventative strategies are needed to improve the stability in the home and strengthen parenting practices.
Highlights
Executive functions can be adversely affected by contextual risks in the home environment including chaos and parenting challenges
The current study explores whether household chaos influences child executive functions through parental responsiveness using a multimethod approach
Each of the indicators of child executive functions were positively correlated with one another and with parental responsiveness
Summary
Executive functions can be adversely affected by contextual risks in the home environment including chaos and parenting challenges. Few studies have examined the role of parenting in the association between household chaos and child executive functions. The development of executive functions in early childhood plays an important role in shaping the overall functioning of the child. Given the rapid growth of this developmental period, it is important to understand the contextual factors (e.g., household dynamic, parent–child interactions) that could influence the developmental trajectory of executive functions. Consideration of the quality of the home environment and parent– child interactions are important as they may shape the developmental trajectory of executive functions. The current study explores whether household chaos influences child executive functions through parental responsiveness using a multimethod approach
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