The role of empathy and social skill levels of preschool children in relation between parental attitudes and behavioral problems

In this study, we tried to determine the relation of parental attitudes with preschool children's empathy and social skills and also the effects of this relation on behavioral problems. The effects of parental attitudes on behavior problems were analyzed directly and indirecly which mediated by empathy and social skill. The sample of the survey is composed of 210 children who are educated in independent preschool and nursery classes of elementary schools. These classes that are appertain to the ministery of education are taken place in districts of İzmir. The survey is a descriptive study that aimed to find out existing situation. SPSS (21) was used for descriptive statistics. Analysis of data was examined using structural equation model (LISREL8.80 program). Findings indicated that there is a significant correlation between parental attitudes and behavioral problems of preschool children. Additionally, after analyzing to the role of empathy and social skills as a mediator in the this relation, initial correlation was meaningless disappeared. Results show that preschool children's empathy and social skills fully mediated between the relationship parental attitudues and behavioral problems. KEYWORDS: Preschool Education, Social Behavior, Empathy, Parental Attitudes.