Abstract

This cross-sectional, longitudinal study aimed to investigate the predictive effects of SES and parent-child interaction on children's language skills and executive function. We analyzed the data of 318 children (M=62.28 months, SD=1.22) from 2013 (T1) and 2016 (T2) from Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of the predictor variables on vocabulary scores at T1, and word application, verbal reasoning, and executive function at T2. Results revealed that SES and parent-child interaction were significant predictors of expressive but not receptive vocabulary at T1. Only SES predicted word application and executive function at T2, but both variables predicted verbal reasoning. This study revealed parent-child interaction’s essential factor along with SES predicting children's language skills and executive function. Hence, rich parent-child interaction in low-SES homes could aid in bridging the gap brought on by SES.