Investigation of the relationship between executive function skills and play development and play behaviors in early childhood

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between executive function skills and play skills and play behaviors in early childhood as well as the predictive status of executive functions on children's play skills and play behaviors. In accordance with the purpose of the research, the relational screening model was used in the research planned with quantitative method. The study group of the research consists of children between the ages of 48-72 months attending preschool education in Iğdır province in Turkey in the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Within the scope of the research, 200 children were reached. While the data of the study were collected with a personal information form, measurement tools with proven validity and reliability in the literature were used to evaluate executive functions, play development and play behaviors. In the analysis of the data obtained in the study, normality distributions were examined and then relationship and difference tests were used in accordance with the sub-objectives. As a result of the study, while the increase in the executive function skills of the children in the study group positively affected space management and material management in play, it negatively affected symbolic play. It was concluded that the increase in executive functions predicted children's play behaviors in quiet play, parallel play and social play. These results obtained about the study group of the current study were discussed in the light of the relevant literature and suggestions were presented.