Gsödl, Marisa; (2002) Thesis: The transactional nature of maternal personality and infant factors in parenting. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Process models have highlighted the important role personality plays in shaping parenting style (Belsky, 1984). However, surprisingly little research has been conducted on the impact of personality on parenting in non-clinical populations. One aim of this study, therefore, is to increase our understanding of how parenting is influenced by personality in the general population. Theory also highlights the importance of child effects on parenting as well as the interactive nature of parent and child effects (Belsky, 1984, Thomas & Chess, 1977). The current research consequently examines the main effects of maternal personality and infant factors on parenting, as well as the interacting effects of parent and infant effects on parenting. Using an affect-based personality measure (Positive and Negative Affect Scale - PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988), an infant temperament scale (Infant Behaviour Questionnaire - IBQ; Rothbart & Gartstein, 1999), and an objective measure of infant behaviour (NICHD, 1999) the main and interactive effects of maternal personality and infant factors on parenting were investigated. Maternal sensitivity, indexed by maternal intrusiveness and detachment, was assessed during a semi-structured observation period (NICHD, 1999). Observed infant behaviour was found to predict both maternal detachment and intrusiveness. Results also indicated preliminary support for the joint prediction of maternal detachment by maternal negative affect and infant positive emotionality. This highlights the contribution of child effects and provides some support for the interactive relationship between parent and infant factors in parenting. Contrary to expectations, maternal personality and infant temperament did not consistently predict parenting. However, there was some association between maternal positive affect and increased intrusiveness, and infant temperament and detachment. The meaning of these results is discussed in light of relevant literature. Due to various limitations, results have to be interpreted with caution. Further work is necessary in order to verify these results and to further elucidate the multiple factors that shape the process of parenting. Process models have highlighted the important role personality plays in shaping parenting style (Belsky, 1984). However, surprisingly little research has been conducted on the impact of personality on parenting in non-clinical populations. One aim of this study, therefore, is to increase our understanding of how parenting is influenced by personality in the general population. Theory also highlights the importance of child effects on parenting as well as the interactive nature of parent and child effects (Belsky, 1984, Thomas & Chess, 1977). The current research consequently examines the main effects of maternal personality and infant factors on parenting, as well as the interacting effects of parent and infant effects on parenting. Using an affect-based personality measure (Positive and Negative Affect Scale - PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988), an infant temperament scale (Infant Behaviour Questionnaire - IBQ; Rothbart & Gartstein, 1999), and an objective measure of infant behaviour (NICHD, 1999) the main and interactive effects of maternal personality and infant factors on parenting were investigated. Maternal sensitivity, indexed by maternal intrusiveness and detachment, was assessed during a semi-structured observation period (NICHD, 1999). Observed infant behaviour was found to predict both maternal detachment and intrusiveness. Results also indicated preliminary support for the joint prediction of maternal detachment by maternal negative affect and infant positive emotionality. This highlights the contribution of child effects and provides some support for the interactive relationship between parent and infant factors in parenting. Contrary to expectations, maternal personality and infant temperament did not consistently predict parenting. However, there was some association between maternal positive affect and increased intrusiveness, and infant temperament and detachment. The meaning of these results is discussed in light of relevant literature. Due to various limitations, results have to be interpreted with caution. Further work is necessary in order to verify these results and to further elucidate the multiple factors that shape the process of parenting.

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