A Model‐Based Cluster Analysis of Maternal Emotion Regulation and Relations to Parenting Behavior

• Main Authors: Shaffer, Anne, Whitehead, Monica, Davis, Molly, Morelen, Diana, Suveg, Cynthia
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2018
• Subjects: maternal emotion; parenting; child outcomes; model-based cluster analysis; Psychology; Psychiatric and Mental Health
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7703; https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12326

In a diverse community sample of mothers (N = 108) and their preschool‐aged children (Mage = 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.