Untangling the links of parental responsiveness to distress and warmth to child outcomes

Child Dev. 2006 Jan-Feb;77(1):44-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00855.x.

Abstract

This study demonstrated separate linkages between 2 features of positive parenting--responsiveness to distress and warmth--and different aspects of children's socio-emotional functioning, in a sample of 106 children (6-8 years old). As expected, mothers' and fathers' responsiveness to distress, but not warmth, predicted better negative affect regulation. Maternal responsiveness to distress also predicted children's empathy and prosocial responding. Maternal warmth, but not responsiveness to distress, was linked to better regulation of positive affect and (in boys only) to greater peer acceptance. Additionally, negative affect regulation mediated between maternal responsiveness to distress and children's empathic responding. Positive affect regulation mediated between maternal warmth and boys' peer acceptance. The findings support a differentiated approach to positive parenting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Affect*
  • Child
  • Empathy*
  • Female
  • Helping Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Object Attachment
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Peer Group
  • Personality Assessment
  • Personality Development*
  • Socialization