Loading...
Adverse and positive childhood experiences in parental history and their association with parental reflective functioning and parenting behavior
Weistra,Sabrina R. van Bakel,Hedwig J.A. Mathijssen,Jolanda J.P.
Weistra,Sabrina R.
van Bakel,Hedwig J.A.
Mathijssen,Jolanda J.P.
Abstract
This study examined whether Parental Reflective Functioning (PRF) mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and parent-child interaction, focusing on positive and negative parenting behaviors, while accounting for the potentially moderating role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on the effect of ACEs on PRF. The study included 110 parent-child dyads from clinical and non-clinical settings, observed during play sessions. Parents completed questionnaires on ACEs and PRF. Results showed that the relationship between ACEs and positive parenting behaviors was mediated by PRF. ACEs had a direct effect on negative parenting behaviors. PCEs neither predicted PRF nor interacted with ACEs. The results corroborate the value of interventions targeting parental reflective functioning to improve parental sensitivity. Negative parenting behaviors, such as intrusiveness, are less likely to be mitigated through improved reflective functioning.
Description
Projectcode: 4200E025
Date
2025-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
ACEs, negative parenting behavior, parental reflective functioning, parent-child interaction, PCEs, positive parenting behavior
Citation
Weistra, S R, van Bakel, H J A & Mathijssen, J J P 2025, 'Adverse and positive childhood experiences in parental history and their association with parental reflective functioning and parenting behavior', Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody & Child Development, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 518-536. https://doi.org/10.1080/26904586.2025.2573964
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess