Executieve functies en sociale relaties met klasgenoten en de invloed van klassenklimaat.

Abstract

Background: Executive functions are important for the quality of social relations. During preschool years children develop a lot of social relations, which are important for the further development. A deficit in executive functions and the ability to form and keep social relations can have devastating long-term effects. Because the relation of executive functions and social relations with classmates happens in the context of the class, the class climate could be an important influence on this relation. Aim: This research studied the influence of inhibition and working memory on social relations with classmates of preschoolers, and the effect of class climate on this relation. Method A sample of 153 children between 4 and 6 years was used. The data was collected at 11 schools scattered over the Netherlands. The data were analysed by a multiple regression analysis. Results It was found that inhibition had no effect on the social relations with classmates. Working memory did have an influence on social relations with classmates, although this effect was found to be negative in contrast to what was found in the literature. Class climate had no effect on both of the link between executive functions and social relations with classmates. Conclusion No relation was found between inhibition and social relationships with classmates. This can be explained by the way this research has been executed. There was a relation between inhibition and social relationships with classmates when the control variables were not taken into account. This was a negative relation. This can be explained by the fact that high level of inhibition can lead to social anxiety. A relation between working memory and social relationships with classmates was found. Class climate did not moderate either of the relations. This implicates that in a normative sample there does not have to be a lot of attention on executive functioning and class climate.