Executive function in young children with and without global developmental delays: Association with mastery motivation and developmental abilities

Executive functions (EF) affect child competencies across domains in early childhood. Thus, this study examined: 1) the EF differences between young children with global developmental delays (GDD) and those with typical development (TD); 2) the relationship between mastery motivation (MM) and EF; 3) the association between developmental abilities and EF in both groups. Participants included 26 mother-child dyads of preschoolers with GDD (age 24-55 months) and 26 sex- and mental-age-matched dyads of TD preschoolers (age 15-29 months). Child developmental abilities were assessed using the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers. Mothers rated child EF and MM using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Revised Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaires. Independent-t test (<i>p</i> <.008, 2-tailed) and hierarchical regressions were used to examine association (<i>p</i> <.05, 2-tailed). GDD group showed higher EF difficulties compared to their TD counterparts (t = 4.05- 5.48, <i><u>p</u></i> <.001). Additionally, higher child MM, developmental ability, and mother's perceived child ability are significantly associated with overall EF. Therefore, early childhood practitioners should coach parents to observe their child's MM and to identify the child ability to enhance EF in young children. This study provides preliminary evidence linking MM, EF, and child abilities in early childhood.