Ontwikkeling van Executieve Functies bij Peuters die Wel of Geen Brusjes Hebben en bij Peuters die Vroeg of Laat Grove Motorische Mijlpalen Behaalden

Abstract

Cognitive development, especially executive functioning (EF), is a crucial part of growing up. Previous research showed that siblings and motor development both influence EF. This study investigated whether there is a difference in the development of EF between toddlers with or without siblings and between toddlers who achieved their gross motor milestones early or late. This was examined with a convenience sample of 97 Dutch toddlers, aged 20 to 52 months (M = 38.42, SD = 6.50). Parents completed a questionnaire for information about the siblings and gross motor milestones of the toddlers. Further, the toddlers performed five EF-tasks of a program called ‘Executieve Functietaken PeuterPlus!’. The authors analyzed the results with t tests for independent samples. Additional analysis also required a one-way ANOVA. Together, the results showed that there is no difference in the development of EF between toddlers with or without siblings and between toddlers who achieved their gross motor milestones early or late. However, having siblings correlated with three specific EF-tasks. Having siblings was positively correlated with the EF-tasks focusing on working memory and selective attention, but negatively correlated with self-control. Strengths and limitations are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.