Abstract

This study examines whether a parenting method that provides structure has a moderated mediating effect in the pathway from children’s shyness to difficulties in peer relationships through teamwork. The responses of 2,607 4th graders from the 1st to 3rd Wave of the Korean Child and Youth Panel Survey were analyzed. Shyness was found to have a positive influence on difficulties in peer relationships, and teamwork had a negative effect on difficulties in peer relationships. The effect of shyness on teamwork differed according to the level of parenting that provides structure. Finally, the pathway of shyness on the difficulties in peer relationships through teamwork was found to vary depending on the degree of the aforementioned parenting method, indicating a moderated mediating effect of the method. The discussion covers the significance of this study, directions for follow-up studies, and practical implications.