B – 78 The Impact of Parental Emotion Regulation on Children’s Neurocognitive Development: Implications for Executive Functioning and Memory

Abstract Objective Research highlights the impact of early environmental factors on children’s cognitive development (Lieu, 2012). Parental emotion regulation plays a crucial role in shaping children's emotional and cognitive processing (Ellis & Del Giudice, 2019). While prior studies emphasize early environmental influences, limited research directly links parental emotion regulation with children's attention and memory outcomes. We hypothesized that parental emotion regulation would positively correlate with children’s attention and memory, even after controlling for demographics, and that these relationships would vary across gender and ethnocultural groups. Method This study involved 481 parent-child dyads recruited through schools and community networks. Parents completed the Parental Emotion Regulation Scale, and children underwent assessments using the Attention and Memory Battery for Children. Results Results showed significant positive correlations between parental emotion regulation and children’s attention (r = 0.41, p < .001) and memory (r = 0.39, p < .001). Regression analyses confirmed parental emotion regulation as a significant predictor of attention (β = 0.56, p < .001) and memory (β = 0.47, p < .001). Moderation analyses revealed gender and ethnocultural influences. Conclusion These findings underscore the critical role parents play in shaping children’s cognitive outcomes through emotion regulation. Interventions targeting parental emotion regulation could enhance children’s academic performance and well-being. Additionally, culturally informed parenting interventions are essential for addressing diverse familial contexts. This research contributes to understanding emotional and cognitive development in parent-child relationships. Future studies should use longitudinal designs to examine these relationships over time and explore broader developmental implications.