The Mediating Role of Executive Function in the Association Between Warm Parenting and Children’s Problem Behaviors

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The present study explored the extent to which children's executive function (EF) mediates the relationship between maternal warm parenting and children's problem behaviors during the early school-age years. <b>Methods</b>: Using data from a nationally representative sample of 1516 mother-child dyads participating in the Panel Study on Korean Children, the analysis drew on parent-reported measures collected through standardized questionnaires. <b>Results</b>: Structural equation modeling indicated that warm, responsive maternal parenting contributed to lower levels of children's problem behaviors both directly and indirectly by fostering stronger EF skills. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings highlight the developmental importance of warm parenting practices and identify children's EF as a central mechanism through which early caregiving environments promote behavioral adjustment.