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The effect of prenatal adversity on externalizing behaviors at 24 months of age in a high‐risk sample: Maternal sensitivity as a moderator
Author(s) -
Schuetze Pamela,
Molnar Danielle,
Eiden Rina D.,
Shisler Shan,
Zhao Junru,
Colder Craig R.,
Huestis Marilyn A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/imhj.21863
Subject(s) - moderation , psychology , maternal sensitivity , developmental psychology , association (psychology) , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , social psychology
The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of maternal sensitivity on the association between prenatal adversity and externalizing behaviors at 24 months of age in a diverse, high‐risk sample. We hypothesized that among children with higher prenatal adversity, high maternal sensitivity would serve as a protective factor. Participants were 247 primarily low‐income, diverse dyads. Results indicated a significant interaction effect of maternal sensitivity and prenatal adversity on externalizing problems. The association between prenatal adversity and externalizing behaviors was significant only among children who experienced low prenatal adversity, with higher maternal sensitivity associated with lower externalizing behaviors. These findings indicate that, in the absence of high prenatal risk, responsive and sensitive parenting can buffer children in an otherwise high‐risk sample from the development of externalizing behaviors.