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Abstract

Background: Problems in language development can lead to behavioral problems (Van Daal et al., 2007; Ketelaars et al., 2010; Petersen & LeBeau, 2020; Menting et al., 2011). Research on this has almost always focuses on clinical populations (St Clair et al., 2011; Conti-Ramsden & Durkin, 2008; Stanton-Champan et al., 2007; McCabe, 2005). However, little research has been done on the relationship between language and externalizing behavior in children who do not have a behavioral and/or language development disorder. Aim: The aim of the present study was to study the extent to which receptive language skills predicts externalizing behavior in monolingual children aged 4 to 10 years without behavioral and/or developmental disorders, and whether this relationship was moderated by gender and self-regulation. Method: The data was obtained with the help of a convenience sample, in which 36 children and their parents participated. Receptive language skills were measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-III-NL). The children's externalizing behavior was assessed by two questionnaires completed by parents: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Children's Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) or The Temperament in Middle Children Questionnaire (TMCQ). Results: There was no significant relationship between receptive language skills and externalizing behavior. A significant result was only found for the relationship between self-regulation and externalizing behavior. Conclusion: This study does not show that receptive language skills predict externalizing behavior. However, it has shown that a low degree of self-regulation is associated with a high degree of externalizing behavior. This is consistent with the results of previous studies.