Cognitieve vertekeningen, moreel oordelen en empathie in samenhang met externaliserend probleemgedrag bij kinderen (9-13 jaar).

Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in cognitive distortions, moral judgment and empathy in children, aged nine to thirteen years. Subsequently, the relationship was investigated of cognitive distortions, moral judgment and empathy with externalizing problem behaviour. It was hypothesized that the relationship between moral judgment and antisocial behavior is mediated by cognitive distortions. The study involved a total of 92 participants from two regular elementary schools. First, the results show that there are no gender differences in cognitive distortions, moral judgment and empathy. As expected, a positive correlation between cognitive distortions and externalizing problem behaviour, and a negative correlation between moral judgment and externalizing problem behaviour was found. However, no relationship was found between empathy and externalizing problem behaviour. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between moral judgment and externalizing problem behaviour was explained by cognitive distortions. The conclusion from this study is that cognitive distortions are an important predictor of externalizing problem behaviour. Perhaps these results can lead to developing a program for children with externalizing problems that reduces the prevalence of cognitive distortions.