Predicting Executive Dysfunctions Based on Attachment and Parenting Styles in Students

Abstract

: Executive functions refer to the use of cognitive processes to control thoughts and emotions. Given the importance and impact of executive functions, it seems that understanding the factors that influence executive functions’ development is useful to prevent individuals’ problems and to help their further promotions. The present study is to predict executive dysfunctions based on parenting styles and attachment styles in students. This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population of this study included all students of regular elementary schools in Tabriz, Iran in the academic year of 2018-19, among whom, 700 were selected by multistage clustering sampling method. In the next step, their parents were asked to complete Coolidge neuropsychological and personality scale, the Kinship Center Attachment Questionnaire (KCAQ), and Baumrind parenting styles questionnaire. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed that positive adjustment development, negative behaviors, permissive style, authoritarian style and authoritative style are correlated with the executive dysfunction. Positive adjustment development, attachment style and authoritative parenting style had a negative correlation, and the attachment style of negative behaviors, and permissive and authoritarian parenting styles had a positive correlation with the executive dysfunctions. The findings of the present study show that attachment and parenting styles in childhood correlate significantly with the development of executive functions and may be considered for prediction of executive dysfunctions.