Origins of Mothers’ and Fathers’ Beliefs about Infant Crying

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Regan V. Burney (Creator)
Esther M. Leerkes, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Origins of mothers’ and fathers’ beliefs about infant crying were examined in 87 couples. Parents completed measures of emotion minimization in the family of origin, depressive symptoms, empathy, trait anger, and coping styles prenatally. At 6 months postpartum, parents completed a self-report measure of their beliefs about infant crying. Mothers endorsed more infant-oriented and less parent-oriented beliefs about crying than did fathers. Consistent with prediction, a history of emotion minimization was linked with more parent-oriented and fewer infant-oriented beliefs about infant crying for both mothers and fathers either as a main effect or in conjunction with the partners’ infant-oriented beliefs. Contrary to expectation, parents’ own emotional dispositions had little effect on parents’ beliefs about crying. The pattern of associations varied for mothers and fathers in a number of ways. Implications for future research and programs promoting sensitive parenting are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 31(6), 467-474
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
parental belief, infants, crying, family of origin, parental sensitivity

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