Open AccessProfiles of Emotion Socialization Across Development and Longitudinal Associations with Youth Psychopathology
Author(s) -
Laura G. McKee,
Karissa DiMarzio,
Justin Parent,
Chelsea Dale,
Juliana Acosta,
Jessica L. O’Leary
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research on child and adolescent psychopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2730-7174
pISSN - 2730-7166
DOI - 10.1007/s10802-021-00829-6
Subject(s) - psychology , psychopathology , latent class model , developmental psychology , competence (human resources) , socialization , longitudinal study , coaching , developmental psychopathology , positive youth development , clinical psychology , dysfunctional family , social psychology , medicine , pathology , statistics , mathematics , psychotherapist
Although there is relative consensus in the literature regarding associations between certain emotion socialization (ES) strategies and youth behavioral health, there is very limited research from a person-centered perspective. To address this gap, the current study examined patterns of ES strategies in families and explored predictors and youth outcomes associated with those patterns. An economically-diverse sample of 229 predominately White mothers and fathers of youth aged 3-12 years was recruited online for a longitudinal study. Latent profile analysis was used to determine the optimal number of family clusters with similar ES profiles. Model fit supported a four-class model, which consisted of an Emotion Coaching profile, characterized by the lowest levels of putatively labeled unsupportive ES practices and the highest levels of putatively labeled supportive ES practices, a Moderate profile characterized by moderate levels of both unsupportive and supportive ES practices, a Limited Engagement profile characterized by low levels of both unsupportive and supportive ES practices, and an Emotion Dismissing profile characterized by the highest levels of unsupportive ES practices and the lowest levels of supportive ES practices. Cross-sectional and longitudinal differences were observed across the ES profiles with regard to demographic and parent emotional competence predictors and youth outcomes. The current study extends the literature on ES by providing evidence on how distinct ES profiles differentially predict youth behavioral health outcomes. Findings also underscore the importance of examining parent emotional competence as a catalyst for adaptive change in the family system.