Children’s Representations of Mothers and Preschool Adjustment: Analysis of Mediating Effect of Peer Competence

Woo, Sujung

doi:2012.50.5.91

J. Korean Home Econ. Assoc > Volume 50(5); 2012 > Article

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association 2012;50(5):91-100. doi: https://doi.org/10.6115/khea.2012.50.5.091

Children’s Representations of Mothers and Preschool Adjustment: Analysis of Mediating Effect of Peer Competence

Sujung Woo

Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University

Corresponding Author: Sujung Woo ,Tel: +82-2-2123-8299, Fax: +82-2-2123-8661, Email: sue0792@hanmail.net

Received: April 24, 2012; Revised: May 8, 2012 Accepted: July 3, 2012.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of children’s representations of mothers and peer competence on preschool adjustment. 102 preschoolers (47 boys and 55 girls, aged 4-5) participated in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis. The results were as follows: Firstly, children’s representations of mothers had a direct effect on peer competence. Secondly, peer competence had a direct effect on preschool adjustment. Thirdly, children’s representations of mothers did not directly affect preschool adjustment, but their representations of mothers did indirectly affect preschool adjustment, through peer competence. In conclusion, children’s representations of mothers and peer competence influence preschool adjustment.

Keywords: representations of mothers, peer competence, preschool adjustment