De mediërende rol van ouderlijke responsiviteit in de relatie tussen zelfstandig lopen en taalproductie

Abstract

Background. Several studies have indicated that the development of language should be seen in context of interactions between a person’s physical body and the physical world. In line with the embodiment theory, empirical literature indicates that walking independently can cause an increase in social interactions with the environment and especially the interactions with parents. These changes in interactions with parents could promote an increase in language development. Aim. The present study examined the relationship between locomotor status and productive speech with parental responsiveness as a possible mediator. Method. 21 children (53,3% girls, aged 11 to 16 months), participated in the study. Parental responsiveness was established through a coding scheme. In addition, parental questionnaires were administered to determine the locomotor status and the productive speech. Results. No significant results were found in either of the relationships. Locomotor status did not predict higher levels of productive speech or parental responsiveness. Also, the levels of responsiveness did not predict higher levels of productive speech. Therefore, this study shows that no mediation effect of parental responsiveness can be found between the locomotor status of children and the levels of productive speech. Conclusion. Further research that investigates the relation between locomotor status, productive speech and parental responsiveness is needed to fulfill the gap in knowledge in these relations.