1
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Stern JA, Bailey NA, Costello MA, Hazelwood OA, Allen JP. Fathers' contributions to attachment in adolescence and adulthood: the moderating role of race, gender, income, and residential status. Attach Hum Dev 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38869354 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2366391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Fathers play a critical yet underappreciated role in adolescent development. To examine contributions of fathers' parenting to attachment in adolescence and adulthood, this longitudinal study followed 184 adolescents from ages 13-24. At age 13, adolescents reported on their fathers' parenting behavior and were observed in a father-teen conflict task; at ages 14 and 24, they completed the Adult Attachment Interview. Adolescents who lived with their father showed higher attachment security at age 14 (Cohen's d = .72), compared to those with non-residential fathers. Fathers' positive relatedness and support for teens' psychological autonomy predicted attachment security at age 14. Fathers' physical aggression predicted attachment insecurity in adolescence, whereas fathers' verbal aggression predicted insecurity in adulthood, illuminating developmental shifts. Pathways to security were moderated by father residential status, adolescent gender, and race. Findings underscore the importance of fathers' presence, autonomy support, and non-aggression in predicting adolescents' state of mind in close relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Stern
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Natasha A Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Meghan A Costello
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | | | - Joseph P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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2
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Paquette D, Dubois-Comtois K, Cyr C, Lemelin JP, Bacro F, Couture S, Bigras M. Early childhood attachment stability to mothers, fathers, and both parents as a network: associations with parents' well-being, marital relationship, and child behavior problems. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:66-94. [PMID: 38626163 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2338089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the stability of child attachment to mothers and fathers separately, and to both parents as a network between the infancy and preschool periods using a sample of 143 biparental families and their children (73 boys) recruited from the general population. Attachment was assessed at 15 months with the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) and at 45 months with the Preschool Attachment Classification Coding System (PACS). First, results show no stability in attachment to mothers, to fathers, or to both parents as a network. Second, parents' mental health, life satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and child externalizing behavior are associated with attachment stability. Taken altogether, group comparisons reveal that children with a stable secure attachment to both parents as a network have parents with higher levels of well-being and exhibit less problem behaviors than children with 1) a stable secure attachment to one parent and an unstable attachment to the other parent (from secure to insecure or from insecure to secure), or 2) who never had a stable secure attachment to either parent. This study highlights the significance of attachment to both parents as a network over time as it is associated with developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paquette
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Karine Dubois-Comtois
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Riviéres, Canada
| | - Chantal Cyr
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jean-Pascal Lemelin
- Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Fabien Bacro
- Faculté de psychologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Couture
- Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Marc Bigras
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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3
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Bureau JF, Bandk K, Deneault AA, Turgeon J, Seal H, Brosseau-Liard P. The PPSQ: assessing parental, child, and partner's playfulness in the preschool and early school years. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1274160. [PMID: 38111872 PMCID: PMC10725922 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1274160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Developmental research has traditionally focused on parenting behaviors such as nurturance and care, due to a focus on mothers' behaviors. Other parenting dimensions such as parental playfulness (i.e., use of creativity, imagination, and humor during parent-child interactions) have comparatively received little attention. Although some measures tap into parents' and children's playfulness, these measures are limited. Indeed, they do not assess multiple domains of playfulness (i.e., both parents' and the child's playfulness) or focus on one specific setting such as children's play with peers. Additionally, existing measures do not consider parents' reactions to their partners' playfulness. To address this gap, we created the Playful Parenting Style Questionnaire (PPSQ), which assesses three domains of playfulness: (a) parental domain, (b) child domain, and (c) partner domain. The current study is part of a validation effort of the PPSQ using a quantitative design. We aimed to explore the structure of the PPSQ by conducting an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for each domain of playfulness; and assess the construct validity of the PPSQ factors by examining the association between factors and existing measures of playful parenting, child playfulness, and co-parenting. Method The sample includes 347 parents (294 mothers and 53 fathers) of preschool/school-age children (M = 5.10 years; 182 girls, 127 boys). Parents were mostly White (76%) and from a low socioeconomic risk background. Parents completed a series of online questionnaires including the PPSQ, 3 existing measures of parent playfulness (Parental Playfulness Questionnaire; Adult Playfulness Scale; Challenging Parenting Behavior Scale), 2 existing measures of child playfulness (Child Behavior Inventory; Children's Playfulness Scale), a coparenting instrument (Co-parenting Relationship Scale), and sociodemographic information. Results The EFA revealed 4 factors for parental playfulness, 1 factor for child playfulness, and 3 factors for partner's playfulness. The construct validity analyses identified multiple associations indicating convergence with existing measures for the parent and partners domain but not the child factor. Discussion This study allowed for a better understanding of the playful dynamics that occur within a family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessica Turgeon
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Harshita Seal
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Volling BL, Oh W, Gonzalez R, Bader LR, Tan L, Rosenberg L. Changes in children's attachment security to mother and father after the birth of a sibling: Risk and resilience in the family. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1404-1420. [PMID: 34903310 PMCID: PMC9192831 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Changes in children's attachment security to mother and father were examined for 230 firstborn children (M = 31.17 months), their mothers and fathers participating in a longitudinal investigation starting in the last trimester of the mothers' pregnancy and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after the birth of an infant sibling. Both parents completed the Attachment Q-set at prenatal, 4, and 12 months. Growth mixture models revealed four latent classes in which children's attachments were (a) both secure with a modest decline to both parents (68.3%); (b) more secure with father than mother with a steep decline for both (12.6%); (c) both insecure with no change (10%); and (d) more secure with mother than father with a modest increase for both (9.1%). Multi-group latent growth curve analyses revealed that parenting and coparenting differed across families. Children had lower externalizing behavior problems in families with two secure attachments than in families with one secure attachment, either to mother or to father, who, in turn, had fewer problems than children with two insecure attachments. Findings underscore the strengths of a family systems framework to understand attachment relationships with multiple caregivers and the family risks and protective factors that covary with children's behavioral adjustment after the birth of a sibling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda L. Volling
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wonjung Oh
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Richard Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren R. Bader
- Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, University of Toulouse Capitole, Toulouse, France
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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5
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Deneault AA, Cabrera NJ, Bureau JF. A meta-analysis on observed paternal and maternal sensitivity. Child Dev 2022; 93:1631-1648. [PMID: 35904112 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Two meta-analyses were conducted (N = 10,980 child-father dyads) with 93 studies published between 1983-2020, primarily in North America and Europe, on observed parental sensitivity to children (3-180 months; 48% girls; 14% non-White) in partnered mothers and fathers. The first meta-analysis found higher maternal mean levels of observed sensitivity, with a small effect size (d = -.27). Differences between parents were larger with micro coding and triadic/family assessments. Differences narrowed as a function of publication year and were not significant in European samples. The second meta-analysis identified a moderate correlation between observed maternal and paternal sensitivity (r = .23 after adjusting for probable publication bias). Correlations were larger in Middle Eastern samples and with composite sensitivity scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha J Cabrera
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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6
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Jacobvitz D, Aviles AI, Aquino GA, Tian Z, Zhang S, Hazen N. Fathers' Sensitivity in Infancy and Externalizing Problems in Middle Childhood: The Role of Coparenting. Front Psychol 2022; 13:805188. [PMID: 35211066 PMCID: PMC8861292 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.805188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the role of father sensitivity and couple coparenting quality in the first 2 years of life in relation to the development of externalizing behavior problems in middle childhood, focusing on the unique role of fathers. In this study, 125 mothers, fathers, and their first-born children were followed from 8 months to age 7 years. Paternal sensitivity was rated when infants were 8 and 24 months old. Fathers were videotaped at home playing, feeding, and changing their 8-month-old infants’ clothes. They also were videotaped in a lab playing with their 24-month-olds and solving a variety of challenging tasks. At 24 months, competitive coparenting was assessed via videotaped triadic family interactions at home in which families participated in a variety of tasks (i.e., clothes change, eating a snack together and solving tasks). Teachers rated externalizing behavior problems when the children were age 7. Continuity in paternal sensitivity was documented from 8 to 24 months, and paternal sensitivity at 8 months predicted externalizing behavior in middle childhood through father sensitivity at 24 months. Moreover, paternal sensitivity at 8 months predicted competitive coparenting which, in turn, forecast externalizing behavior problems in middle childhood, even after controlling for maternal sensitivity at 8 and 24 months. These findings highlight the unique role of paternal caregiving quality during the first year of life on couple coparenting and children’s subsequent development of externalizing problems and have implications for creating effective interventions to prevent children from developing externalizing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Jacobvitz
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ashleigh I Aviles
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gabriela A Aquino
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ziyu Tian
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Shuqi Zhang
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Nancy Hazen
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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7
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Cyr C, Dubois-Comtois K, Paquette D, Lopez L, Bigras M. An Attachment-Based Parental Capacity Assessment to Orient Decision-Making in Child Protection Cases: A Randomized Control Trial. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:66-77. [PMID: 33111575 PMCID: PMC9198997 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520967995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Two parenting capacity assessment (PCA) protocols, with a short parent-child intervention embedded in each protocol, evaluated the potential for enhanced parenting to orient child placement decision. Parents (n = 69), with substantiated reports of maltreatment by child protective services, and their children (0-6) were randomly assigned to one of two PCAs with either the Attachment Video-feedback (PCA-AVI) or a psychoeducational intervention (PCA-PI) as the embedded intervention component. The PCA-AVI group showed the highest increases in parent-child interaction quality at post-test. Also, at PCA completion, evaluators' conclusions about the parents' capacity to care for both PCA groups were associated with parent-child interactive improvements at post-test, the court's placement decision at post-test, and child placement one year later. However, only conclusions drawn by PCA-AVI evaluators were predictive of child re-reports of maltreatment in the year following PCA. PCAs, relying on short attachment interventions to assess the potential for enhanced parenting, are promising tools to orient child placement decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Cyr
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institut Universitaire Jeunes en Difficulté, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Karine Dubois-Comtois
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
- Hôpital en Santé Mentale Albert-Prévost, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Albert, Canada
| | - Daniel Paquette
- Institut Universitaire Jeunes en Difficulté, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Leonor Lopez
- Institut Universitaire Jeunes en Difficulté, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Bigras
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
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8
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Kallitsoglou A, Repana V. Attachment disorganisation and poor maternal discipline in early childhood: independent contributions to symptoms of conduct problems. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2021.1984192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Deneault AA, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Groh AM, Fearon PRM, Madigan S. Child-father attachment in early childhood and behavior problems: A meta-analysis. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:43-66. [PMID: 34651413 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analytic study examined the associations between child-father attachment in early childhood and children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Based on 15 samples (N = 1,304 dyads), the association between child-father attachment insecurity and externalizing behaviors was significant and moderate in magnitude (r = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.27 or d = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.55). No moderators of this association were identified. Based on 12 samples (N = 1,073), the association between child-father attachment insecurity and internalizing behaviors was also significant, albeit smaller in magnitude (r = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.15; or d = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.31). Between-study heterogeneity was insufficient to consider moderators. When compared to the effect sizes of prior meta-analyses on child-mother attachment and behavior problems, the quality of the attachment relationship with fathers yields a similar magnitude of associations to children's externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Results support the need to consider the role of the attachment network, which notably includes attachment relationships to both fathers and mothers, to understand how attachment relationships contribute to child development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashley M Groh
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Pasco R M Fearon
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Bleil ME, Spieker SJ, Booth-LaForce C. Targeting Parenting Quality to Reduce Early Life Adversity Impacts on Lifespan Cardiometabolic Risk. Front Psychol 2021; 12:678946. [PMID: 34149571 PMCID: PMC8211431 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.678946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence that early life adversity (ELA) exposures confer risk for cardiometabolic disease over the lifespan motivated this narrative review to examine parenting quality as a potential intervention target to reduce ELA exposures or mitigate their impact as a way of reducing or preventing cardiometabolic disease. We describe findings from the limited number of family-based intervention studies in ELA-exposed children that have tested parenting impacts on cardiometabolic health outcomes. We then describe the implications of this work and make recommendations for future research that will move this field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Bleil
- Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Susan J Spieker
- Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cathryn Booth-LaForce
- Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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11
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Robinson EL, StGeorge J, Freeman EE. A Systematic Review of Father-Child Play Interactions and the Impacts on Child Development. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:389. [PMID: 34068176 PMCID: PMC8153002 DOI: 10.3390/children8050389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Father-child play engagement has been linked to a variety of child developmental outcomes. However, the most prevalent types of play and child developmental outcomes utilised in research remains unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on father-child play interactions and the association with child developmental outcomes for children aged 0-10 years. Database searches generated 1622 abstracts that matched the specified search criteria. Abstract screening and full-text review resulted in 39 included publications. The systematic review revealed that while some paternal play behaviours resulted in different impacts across play types, others reported similar impacts. The findings of this review have implications for potential interventions and parenting resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer StGeorge
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Emily Elsa Freeman
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
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12
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Grenimann Bauch N, Bat Or M. Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task. Front Psychol 2021; 12:518480. [PMID: 33737891 PMCID: PMC7960673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.518480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored parental mentalization processes as they unfolded during a sculpting task administered to fathers of toddlers. Parental mentalization-the parent's ability to understand behavior (his/her own as a parent and that of their child) based on its underlying mental states (Luyten et al., 2017)-is considered crucial within parent-child relationships (Fonagy et al., 1998) and child development (Steele and Steele, 2008). Eleven Israeli first-time fathers (n = 11) of children aged 2-3 (mean = 2.3) were asked to sculpt a representation of themselves with their child using clay. Following the task, the fathers were interviewed while observing the sculpture they had created. Qualitative thematic analysis integrated three types of data-video footage of the sculpting processes, the sculptures themselves, and the transcripts of the post-sculpting interviews. By focusing on data extracts relating to mentalization processes, three main aspects of the clay-sculpting task and interview were identified as processes that either preceded controlled mentalization instances and/or related to their underlying dynamics: (1) discussing the sculpting process elicited the father's curiosity and wonder; (2) observing the sculpture/sculpting process revealed gaps in paternal representations; and (3) the preplanning of the sculptures sparked non-verbal exploration of metaphors and symbolism. Special attention was given, in the analysis, to the interplay between verbal and non-verbal aspects of mentalization as they appeared in the metaphorical representations that arose through the sculpting process. Comparing this sample to a previous sample of mothers who were given the same task, similarities and differences were explored, with specific reference to topics of embodiment, gender roles, paternity leave, and an active approach in art therapy. The discussion indicates that clay sculpting may offer unique insight into implicit parental mentalization. Possible clinical applications are discussed, with reference to attachment theory and clinical art therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehama Grenimann Bauch
- College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Bat Or
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The School of Creative Arts Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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13
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O’Neill MC, Badovinac S, Pillai Riddell R, Bureau JF, Rumeo C, Costa S. The longitudinal and concurrent relationship between caregiver sensitivity and preschool attachment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245061. [PMID: 33481826 PMCID: PMC7822304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the concurrent and longitudinal relationship between caregiver sensitivity and preschool attachment measured using the Main and Cassidy (1988) and Cassidy and Marvin (1992) attachment classification systems. This review was pre-registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; Registration Number CRD42017073417) and completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The present review identified 36 studies made up of 21 samples (N = 3, 847) examining the relationship between caregiver sensitivity and preschool attachment. Eight primary meta-analyses were conducted separately according to the proximity of the assessment of sensitivity to attachment (i.e., concurrent versus longitudinal), operationalization of caregiver sensitivity (i.e., unidimensional versus multidimensional) and attachment categorizations (i.e., secure-insecure versus organized-disorganized). Overall, the meta-analyses revealed higher levels of caregiver sensitivity among caregivers with secure and organized preschoolers, relative to insecure and disorganized preschoolers, respectively. Medium effect sizes (g = .46 to .59) were found for both longitudinal and concurrent associations between caregiver sensitivity and preschool attachment when a unidimensional measure of caregiver sensitivity was employed, compared to small to medium effect sizes (g = .34 to .49) when a multidimensional measure of caregiver sensitivity was employed. Child age at attachment measurement was a significant moderator of the longitudinal association between unidimensional caregiver sensitivity and preschool attachment. Future directions for the literature and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Pillai Riddell
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry Research, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Carla Rumeo
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stefano Costa
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Bacro F, Macario de Medeiros J. Externalizing behaviors and attachment disorganization in children of different‐sex separated parents: The protective role of joint physical custody. Scand J Psychol 2020; 62:74-81. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Bacro
- Centre de Recherche en Education de Nantes (CREN – EA 2661) University of Nantes Nantes France
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15
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van der Asdonk S, Cyr C, Alink L. Improving parent-child interactions in maltreating families with the Attachment Video-feedback Intervention: Parental childhood trauma as a moderator of treatment effects. Attach Hum Dev 2020; 23:876-896. [PMID: 32746730 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2020.1799047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Research is demonstrating the effectiveness of attachment-based interventions for maltreating families. However, parents' own traumatic childhood experiences may interfere with treatment effects. The current study investigated in a sample of maltreating families whether effects of the Attachment Video-feedback Intervention (AVI) on parent-child interactive quality were moderated by parental childhood trauma. Families were randomized to receive AVI (n = 29) or a Psychoeducative intervention (PI; n = 19), or they were in anon-randomized comparison group (RS; n = 40). Parents filled out the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and videotapes of parent-child interactions were coded for interactive quality. Parents who received AVI showed improved parent-child interactive quality compared to parents in PI and RS groups. However, parents with more severe levels of childhood trauma showed less improvements. Future research should explore whether clinical attention with a specific focus on trauma would increase treatement effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine van der Asdonk
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal Cyr
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Institut Universitaire Jeunes en Difficulté, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Lenneke Alink
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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16
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Ahmadzadeh YI, Lester KJ, Oliver BR, McAdams TA. The Parent Play Questionnaire: Development of a parent questionnaire to assess parent–child play and digital media use. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin I. Ahmadzadeh
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London London UK
| | | | - Bonamy R. Oliver
- Department of Psychology Goldsmiths, University of London London UK
| | - Tom A. McAdams
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London London UK
- Promenta Research Centre University of Oslo Oslo Norway
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17
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Aspects of Parent-Child Interaction from Infancy to Late Adolescence Are Associated with Severity of Childhood Maltreatment through Age 18. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113749. [PMID: 32466383 PMCID: PMC7312453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a pervasive public health problem worldwide, with negative health consequences across the lifespan. Despite these adverse outcomes, identifying children who are being maltreated remains a challenge. Thus, there is a need to identify reliably observable features of parent-child interaction that indicate risk for CM and that can instigate strategically targeted family supports. The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess multiple aspects of observed mother-child interaction from infancy to late adolescence as risk indicators of the overall severity of CM by age 18. Mother-child dyads were assessed in infancy (N = 56), at age 7 years (N = 56), and at age 19 years (N = 56/110). Severity of CM through age 18 was indexed by combined prospective and retrospective assessments. Interactions associated with severity of CM by age 18 included maternal hostility in infancy, maternal withdrawal in infancy and middle childhood, child disorganized attachment behavior in middle childhood and late adolescence, as well as hostile and role-confused interactions in late adolescence. This study identifies new indices of maternal and child behavior as important risk indicators for the severity of CM. These indices could be used to improve early identification and tailor preventive interventions for families at risk for CM.
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18
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Tupper R, Bureau JF, Deneault AA, Dixon-Luinenburg T, St-Laurent D. The contributions of child-mother attachment, maternal parenting stress, and military status to the prediction of child behavior problems. Infant Ment Health J 2020; 41:723-737. [PMID: 32281133 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies show that children with a military parent are at heightened risk of the development of behavior problems. However, there is limited work examining how other factors experienced by military families may also influence behavior problems. In the current study, we recruited three types of Canadian families with a preschooler: families with a deployed military member, families with a nondeployed military member, and nonmilitary families. We examined whether the nonmilitary parent's (in all cases the mother) parenting stress and attachment relationship with the child are associated with behavior problems, and whether deployment status further contributes to the prediction. Child-mother dyads participated in an observed attachment assessment, and mothers reported on their stress levels and their child's behavior. Results showed that both child attachment insecurity and parenting stress were associated with elevated levels of internalizing problems; however, only parenting stress was associated with conduct problems. Military deployment predicted higher levels of internalizing and conduct problems beyond the contributions of attachment and stress. Furthermore, having a father in the military (whether deployed or not) also contributed to internalizing problems. These findings shed light on how the military lifestyle impacts early childhood mental health through the complex interplay between various parts of their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tupper
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Diane St-Laurent
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
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19
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Bérubé A, Blais C, Fournier A, Turgeon J, Forget H, Coutu S, Dubeau D. Childhood maltreatment moderates the relationship between emotion recognition and maternal sensitive behaviors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 102:104432. [PMID: 32109776 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitivity is defined as parents ability to perceive, react and respond to children signals. Having a history of childhood maltreatment changes the way adults perceive visual emotions. These perceptual characteristics could have important consequences on how these parents respond to their children. OBJECTIVE The current study examines how a history of childhood maltreatment moderates the relationship between maternal emotion recognition in child faces and sensitive behaviors toward their child during free-play and a structured task. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants included 58 mothers and their children aged between 2 and 5 years. METHODS Mothers were exposed to a set of photographs of child faces showing morphed images of the six basic emotional expressions. Mother-child interactions were then coded for sensitive behaviors. Mothers' history of childhood maltreatment was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. RESULTS Maltreatment severity was related to poorer abilities in emotion recognition. However, the association between emotion recognition and sensitive behavior was moderate by history of childhood maltreatment. For mothers exposed to a severe form of childhood maltreatment, a better emotion recognition was related to less sensitive behaviors toward the child, both during free-play and the structured task. CONCLUSION This relationship is unique to these mothers and is inconsistent with Ainsworth's definition of sensitivity. These results have important implications as they suggest mothers with a history of severe maltreatment would need tailored interventions which take into account their particular reactions to children's emotions.
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20
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Anger in infancy and its implications: History of attachment in mother-child and father-child relationships as a moderator of risk. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 31:1353-1366. [PMID: 30360769 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Growing research has documented distinct developmental sequelae in insecure and secure parent-child relationships, supporting a model of early attachment as moderating future developmental processes rather than, or in addition to, a source of direct effects. We explored maladaptive developmental implications of infants' anger proneness in 102 community families. Anger was assessed in infancy through observations in the Car Seat episode and parents' ratings. Children's security with parents was assessed in the Strange Situation paradigm at 15 months. At preschool age, child negativity (defiance and negative affect) was observed in interactions with the parent, and at early school age, oppositionality was rated by parents and teachers. Security was unrelated to infant anger; however, it moderated associations between infant anger and future maladaptive outcomes, such that highly angry infants embarked on a negative trajectory in insecure, but not in secure, parent-child dyads. For insecure, but not secure, mother-child dyads, infants' mother-rated anger predicted negativity at preschool age. For insecure, but not secure, father-child dyads, infants' anger in the Car Seat predicted father- and teacher-rated oppositional behavior at early school age. Results highlight the developmentally complex nature of the impact of attachment, depending on the relationship with mother versus father, type of measure, and timing of effects.
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21
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Di Folco S, San Martini P, Piermattei C, Zavattini GC, Psouni E. A Comparison of Attachment representations to Mother and Father using the MCAST. Scand J Psychol 2020; 61:243-252. [PMID: 31945192 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to examine the factorial structure of the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST), using a father doll to address the child's attachment representation to father. While the MCAST, a doll story completion task measuring attachment representations in early childhood, has been validated for use with a mother doll, its use for assessing attachment to father is relatively unexplored. Thus, an additional aim was to compare the factorial structure of the child's attachment representation to father and mother, respectively. We analyzed data from 118 first-grade children who underwent counterbalanced administration of the MCAST with a mother and father doll, respectively, within a period of three months. Exploratory factorial analysis revealed similar, three-factor solutions for attachment to father and mother, with a first factor capturing the child's (scripted) knowledge of secure base/safe haven and a second factor reflecting intrusive and conflict behavior. The third factor was different in the father and mother representations, capturing self-care and role-reversal in attachment to father and disorganization in attachment to mother. Findings support the potential usefulness of the MCAST for exploring the father-child relationship and highlight a need for further research on early attachment representations to father.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Folco
- School of Health in Social Science, Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Pietro San Martini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Piermattei
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elia Psouni
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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22
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Fernandes C, Monteiro L, Santos AJ, Fernandes M, Antunes M, Vaughn BE, Veríssimo M. Early father-child and mother-child attachment relationships: contributions to preschoolers' social competence. Attach Hum Dev 2019; 22:687-704. [PMID: 31739746 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2019.1692045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to explore the contributions of early father-child and mother-child attachment relationships to children's later social competence with their preschool peers; possible unique and shared contributions were tested. Using a multi-method design and focusing on direct observation, attachment was assessed at home at age 3 with the Attachment Behavior Q-sort (AQS) and two years later social competence was assessed at classrooms of 5-year-olds using a set of seven measurement indicators that are part of the Hierarchical Model of Social Competence. Results show that attachment to each parent made unique and significant contributions to children's social competence and suggested the possibility that each caregiver may have somewhat different patterns of influence on the different indicators of children's social competence. Findings also suggest the possibility that a secure attachment with one parent may buffer the impact of having an insecure relationship with the other. Due to sample size, these results should be seen as a starting point to generate new and larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fernandes
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ligia Monteiro
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António J Santos
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marilia Fernandes
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Antunes
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Brian E Vaughn
- Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University , Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Manuela Veríssimo
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa, Portugal
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23
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Griffioen R, van der Steen S, Cox RFA, Verheggen T, Enders-Slegers MJ. Verbal Interactional Synchronization between Therapist and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Five Case Studies. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E716. [PMID: 31554243 PMCID: PMC6826430 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchronizing behaviors in interactions, such as during turn-taking, are often impaired in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Therapies that focus on turn-taking generally lead to increased social skills, less interruptions, and silent pauses, however a positive non-demanding environment is therefore thought to be beneficial. Such an environment can be achieved by incorporating animals into therapy. Our study was guided by the following research questions: (1) How can we characterize the interaction between child and therapist during dolphin-assisted therapy, with regard to synchrony in verbalizations (turn-taking) and (2) does synchrony change over the course of six sessions of therapy? To answer these questions, we performed a cross-recurrence quantification analysis on behavioral data of five children, to give a detailed view of the interaction between therapist and child in the context of dolphin-assisted therapy. We were able to detect synchrony (i.e., adequate turn-taking) in all dyads, although not all children improved equally. The differences might be explained by a delayed reaction time of some children, and their level of language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Griffioen
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Steffie van der Steen
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ralf F A Cox
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Theo Verheggen
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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24
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Anderson S, StGeorge J, Roggman LA. Measuring the Quality of Early Father–Child Rough and Tumble Play: Tools for Practice and Research. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-019-09513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Deneault AA, Bureau JF, Yurkowski K, Moss E. Validation of the Preschool Attachment Rating Scales with child-mother and child-father dyads. Attach Hum Dev 2019; 22:491-513. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2019.1589546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kim Yurkowski
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ellen Moss
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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26
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Bureau JF, Deneault AA, Yurkowski K. Preschool father-child attachment and its relation to self-reported child socioemotional adaptation in middle childhood. Attach Hum Dev 2019; 22:90-104. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2019.1589065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kim Yurkowski
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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27
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Wang D, Dong D, Nie P, Wang C. Factor Structure of the Chinese Version of the Parent Adult-Child Relationship Questionnaire. Front Psychol 2018; 9:315. [PMID: 29593616 PMCID: PMC5859068 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Parent Adult-Child Relationship Questionnaire (PACQ) included two identical versions of the 13-item scale, which were administered to each subject, one which referred to “relationship with mother” and the other to “relationship with father.” The PACQ, originally in English, is a self-report measure of the filial relationship. The present study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the PACQ and use it to explore Chinese parent adult-child relationships. A total of 454 Chinese adult-children completed the Chinese version of the PACQ. The structure of the questionnaire was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We found that the Cronbach's α was 0.66–0.88 for fathers and 0.76–0.91 for mothers, which demonstrates high internal consistency reliabilities of the Chinese version of the PACQ. The Chinese version of the PACQ for father had similar constructs similar to with those of the original English version. However, a new factor for mothers, “attachment,” was derived from the original English version. The results suggested that the Chinese version of PACQ is a valid and reliable measure of relationship quality between Chinese adult-children and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyang Wang
- Department of Psychology, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Dong
- Department of Psychology, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Peixin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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