Perceived parental acceptance/rejection, representation of self-in-action and cognitive flexibility in 9-11 years old children
Published:
Nov 26, 2025
Keywords:
Executive functions; Cognitive flexibility; Person Picking An Apple From A Tree (PPAT); Perceived Parental Acceptance/Rejection; Pre-adolescence; Trail Making Test
Abstract
The way children perceive parental care, as well as their self-perception significantly affects their cognitive development and, more specifically, the development of executive functions. A supportive family environment helps children to regulate their feelings and develop their ability to shift their attention during a cognitive task. Warm parenting seems to be a positive predictor of all executive functions throughout childhood. On the contrary, negative familial experiences can lead to a more rigid self-perception and less cognitive flexibility. In the current study we examined cognitive flexibility in relation to perceived parental acceptance/rejection and representation of self-in-action in a sample of 76 pre-adolescents (38 females) aged 9-11 years old. In examining cognitive flexibility, the ability to shift attention was assessed using the Trail Making Test. Perceived parental acceptance/rejection was assessed using “Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire” (PARQ-child version). Finally, representation of self-in-action was assessed using the drawing “Person Picking an Apple from a Tree” (PPAT). Results showed that perceived parental rejection negatively correlates with the ability to depict self-in-action and with cognitive flexibility. Goal proximity seems to moderate the relation between maternal hostility/aggression and representation of self-in-action. Moreover, according to findings, only goal proximity seems to positively correlate with children’s cognitive flexibility.
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Lisiova, E., & Tsourtou, V. (2025). Perceived parental acceptance/rejection, representation of self-in-action and cognitive flexibility in 9-11 years old children. Preschool and Primary Education, 13(2), 160–178. https://doi.org/10.12681/ppej.40051
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