A Model‐Based Cluster Analysis of Maternal Emotion Regulation and Relations to Parenting Behavior
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2018
Description
In a diverse community sample of mothers (N = 108) and their preschool‐aged children (Mage = 3.50 years), this study conducted person‐oriented analyses of maternal emotion regulation (ER) based on a multimethod assessment incorporating physiological, observational, and self‐report indicators. A model‐based cluster analysis was applied to five indicators of maternal ER: maternal self‐report, observed negative affect in a parent–child interaction, baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and RSA suppression across two laboratory tasks. Model‐based cluster analyses revealed four maternal ER profiles, including a group of mothers with average ER functioning, characterized by socioeconomic advantage and more positive parenting behavior. A dysregulated cluster demonstrated the greatest challenges with parenting and dyadic interactions. Two clusters of intermediate dysregulation were also identified. Implications for assessment and applications to parenting interventions are discussed.
Citation Information
Shaffer, Anne; Whitehead, Monica; Davis, Molly; Morelen, Diana; and Suveg, Cynthia. 2018. A Model‐Based Cluster Analysis of Maternal Emotion Regulation and Relations to Parenting Behavior. Family Process. Vol.57(3). 707-718. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12326 ISSN: 1545-5300