Links between family environment factors and social competence of Lithuanian first graders

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the links between family environment factors and social competence of first grade pupils in Lithuania. Subjects: Subjects in the present study were 408 first grade pupils (183 boys and 225 girls) attending 14 schools in the second largest city of Lithuania. Measures: Social competence was assessed using Elementary School Social Competence Scale (ESSCS) developed for the present study. The ESSCS consisted of three subscales measuring three aspects of social competence: communication, ability to take directions, and impulse control. This scale was completed by class teachers. Family environment factors included parent education, subjectively perceived sufficiency of income, and parental divorce, and parental emigration. This information was obtained from parents. [...]