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Behavioral differences in the interactions between Type A and B mothers and their children
1Department of Psychology, Boston University.
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Type A mothers, identified by the Jenkins Activity Survey, exhibited more directive behavior, particularly with sons during tasks, following parental separation. However, children
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Child Development
Background:
- Parental separation significantly impacts family dynamics and reorganization.
- Maternal personality traits, such as Type A behavior, may influence parenting styles.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for supporting children's adjustment post-separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maternal Type A/B behavior and interactional patterns with children after parental separation.
- To examine how task demands and child gender moderate maternal directive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven mothers were classified as Type A or B using the Jenkins Activity Survey.
- Mothers and children engaged in two distinct interactive tasks.
- Maternal and child behaviors were systematically observed and coded.
Main Results:
- Type A mothers displayed significantly more directive interaction styles compared to Type B mothers.
- This directive behavior was more pronounced when interacting with sons and during a task-oriented condition.
- Few significant differences were observed in children's behavior as a function of maternal Type A/B status.
Conclusions:
- Maternal Type A behavior is associated with increased directive parenting during family reorganization.
- Children's gender and task context play a role in moderating maternal interactional styles.
- While maternal behavior shows distinct patterns, children's behavioral responses appear less influenced by maternal Type A/B status in this context.