Het effect van inhibitie op sociale problemen bij kleuters en de modererende werking van oudere broers en zussen op deze relatie

Abstract

One of the developmental tasks of kindergarteners, is to develop socially adequate behavior towards peers. One of the conditions to be able to show socially adequate behavior is inhibitory control. This study aimed to find out whether or not inhibitory control predicts social problems in kindergarteners. Furthermore, this study attempted to discover the influence of older siblings as a moderator on this relationship. In total, 138 kindergarteners aged between 48 and 82 months participated in this study. All the participants followed education in regular primary schools. Their inhibitory control was measured via the scale ‘inhibition’ of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF); which was filled out by their teachers. The extent of social problems was measured by means of the scale ‘social problems’ which is part of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); which was also filled out by their teachers. Age and behavioral problems are included as control variables, because research shows that these variables have a large impact on the cognitive and social development of children. Their age was measured in months, given the fact that kindergarteners develop social and cognitive skills in a relatively short period of time. Behavioral problems were measured by means of the scale ‘behavioral problems’, which is also part of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results show no effect of inhibitory control on children’s social problems in kindergarteners. No evidence was found for having an older sibling moderating this relationship. However, a significant effect has been found of both age and behavioral problems on social problems. There was evidence found that behavioral problems have a positive effect on the existence of social problems. Age however has a negative effect on social problems; less social problems were reported for the older kindergarteners. Limitations concerning this study cause that these findings may not be reliable enough to base harsh statements on. Further discussions considering this study and recommendations for future research can be found in the discussion section of this paper.