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A Model‐Based Cluster Analysis of Maternal Emotion Regulation and Relations to Parenting Behavior
Author(s) -
Shaffer Anne,
Whitehead Monica,
Davis Molly,
Morelen Diana,
Suveg Cynthia
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/famp.12326
Subject(s) - psychology , observational study , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , cluster (spacecraft) , structural equation modeling , socioeconomic status , maternal sensitivity , vagal tone , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , environmental health , population , statistics , mathematics , pathology , computer science , programming language , heart rate variability , heart rate , blood pressure , radiology
In a diverse community sample of mothers ( N = 108) and their preschool‐aged children ( M age = 3.50 years), this study conducted person‐oriented analyses of maternal emotion regulation ( ER ) based on a multimethod 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.