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Toddler inhibited temperament, maternal cortisol reactivity and embarrassment, and intrusive parenting

Elizabeth J Kiel1, Kristin A Buss

  • 1Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA. kielluej@MiamiOH.edu

Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43)
|June 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Maternal cortisol reactivity influences parenting, with higher reactivity linked to more intrusive behavior towards inhibited toddlers. Embarrassment also directly relates to intrusive parenting, affecting child development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Parenting Research

Background:

  • Parenting behavior significantly impacts toddler development.
  • Toddlers' inhibited temperament may predict later childhood outcomes through parenting behaviors like intrusiveness.
  • Understanding the interplay between child temperament and parenting is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate maternal cortisol reactivity and embarrassment as moderators of the link between toddler inhibited temperament and maternal intrusive behavior.
  • To explore psychobiological factors influencing parenting during parent-child interactions.
  • To examine how child characteristics and maternal responses interact.

Main Methods:

  • A multimethod approach was used with 92 toddlers (24 months) and their mothers.
  • Observational measures assessed toddlers' inhibited temperament and maternal intrusiveness.
  • Maternal cortisol reactivity was measured via saliva samples, and maternal embarrassment was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Maternal cortisol reactivity significantly moderated the relationship between toddler inhibited temperament and maternal intrusiveness.
  • Mothers with higher cortisol reactivity showed more intrusive behavior with highly inhibited toddlers.
  • Maternal embarrassment was directly associated with increased intrusive parenting.

Conclusions:

  • Child temperament and maternal psychobiological responses (cortisol reactivity) are key factors in parenting behavior.
  • Maternal embarrassment is a direct correlate of intrusive parenting.
  • These findings emphasize the importance of considering both child and parent factors in understanding parenting dynamics.

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