Parenting style and practices and children’s externalizing behaviour problems: Mediating role of children’s executive functions

The aim of this study is to examine the role of executive functions (EF) in explaining the association between parenting and externalizing behaviour problems (EBP) in early school-age children. A representative sample consisted of 175 parents and 36 teachers. Parents completed Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire, Parenting Style Questionnaire, and Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Teachers completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results of structural equation modelling showed indirect effects of authoritarian parenting and parental indifference/neglect (but not authoritative parenting and parental warmth/affection) on children’s EBP through themediation of children’s EF deficits. Additionally, analyses revealed both direct and indirect effects of parental hostility/aggression on children’s EBP through the mediation of children’s EF deficits. The study suggests that EF deficits contribute to social difficulties of children whose parents exhibit high levels of negative parenting style and practices. The study indicates that interventions should be aimed at children’ s EF training programmes.