A model-based cluster analysis of maternal emotion regulation and relations to parenting behavior

摘要

In a diverse community sample of mothers (N = 108) and their preschool-aged children (Mage = 3.50 years), the current study conducted person-oriented analyses of maternal emotion regulation (ER) based on a multi-method 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.