Home Chaos and Self-Regulation: Moderating Role of Gender between Home Chaos and Effortful Control

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between home chaos and Self-regulation (effortful control) among young children including other dimensions of temperament (Surgency and Negative affect).
 Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted from January 2015 to September 2016 in Rawalpindi.
 Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The sample consisted of 100 children (3-7 years) and their mothers. The sample was selected from different private and government schools. For children who were less than 4 years, the mothers were contacted at their homes directly. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. To assess temperament and home chaos Children’s Behavior Questionnaire Very Short Form (CBQ) and Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS)-Urdu Version were used respectively. To collect demographic information for sample selection according to sampling criteria the forms were sent to parents through children.
 Results: The results showed significant negative association between home chaos and children’s effortful control (ꞅ = -.21*, p<.05), non-significant positive association between home chaos, negative affect(ꞅ = .06, p>.05) and surgency (ꞅ = -.16, p>.05).. Home chaos was also found to be a significant predictor of effort among children. In addition, it was found that gender moderated the relation between home chaos and effortful control. Boys get affected more than girls and show poor effortful control in chaotic homes [t (96) = 2.39, p<.05].
 Conclusion: Home chaos is a significant predictor of effortful control, one dimension of temperament among young children. Boys showed fewer self-regulation skills in chaotic homes as compared to their counterparts.