University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The role of reflective functioning in predicting parenting and coparenting quality

Jessee, Allison

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/34348

Description

Title
The role of reflective functioning in predicting parenting and coparenting quality
Author(s)
Jessee, Allison
Issue Date
2012-09-18T21:12:38Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Mangelsdorf, Sarah C.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Mangelsdorf, Sarah C.
Committee Member(s)
  • Roisman, Glenn I.
  • McElwain, Nancy L.
  • Ostler, Teresa A.
  • Bost, Kelly
Department of Study
Psychology
Discipline
Psychology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • reflective functioning
  • parenting
  • coparenting
  • family studies
  • infancy
Abstract
This investigation examined the validity of parental reflective functioning (RF; Fonagy, Target, Steele, & Steele, 1998) which is a measure designed to assess understanding of emotions and other mental states. RF was coded based on the prebirth Adult Attachment Interviews (AAI; George, Kaplan, & Main, 1985). Parenting and coparenting quality were assessed 13 months after the birth of the target child. Correlational and factor analyses indicated considerable overlap between RF and traditional AAI coding. Exploratory factor analyses of RF and AAI state of mind scales indicated that RF loaded, along with coherence of mind, on the primary factor distinguishing between individuals categorized as secure and dismissing. Maternal RF significantly predicted paternal dyadic sensitivity and coparenting quality and marginally predicted maternal dyadic and paternal triadic sensitivity. Paternal RF did not predict parenting quality. Interestingly, fathers’ RF predicted coparenting quality of daughters, and mothers’ RF predicted coparenting quality of sons. These findings indicate that the RF measure is an important predictor of family functioning and warrants further investigation.
Graduation Semester
2012-08
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34348
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2012 Allison Jessee

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