Abstract
Objectives This study examined the pathways linking mothersâ parenting efficacy and preschoolersâ ability to understand minds, focusing on the sequential mediational role of mothersâ inappropriate allowance of smart devices (smartphones, tablet PCs) and preschoolersâ smart device dependency. Methods The subjects were 696 four and five year olds and their mothers. The descriptive statistics, independent-sample t-tests and correlation analysis results are presented as a preliminary analyses. A sequential mediation model was analyzed using the AMOS 25.0 program. Results First, mothersâ parenting efficacy had a significant direct effect on preschoolersâ ability to understand minds. Second, preschoolersâ smart device dependency partially mediated the effect of mothersâ parenting efficacy on ability to understand minds. Third, the indirect path linking mothersâ parenting efficacy and preschoolersâ ability to understand minds through inappropriate allowance of smart devices and smart device dependency was significant, supporting the sequential mediation model. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of parenting efficacy on preventing preschoolersâ smart device dependency to promote their ability to understand minds. Keywords: ability to understand minds, parenting efficacy, inappropriate allowance of smart devices, smart device dependency
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