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Prenatal Reflective Functioning and Development of Aggression in Infancy: the Roles of Maternal Intrusiveness and
H J A Smaling1,2, S C J Huijbregts3,4, K B van der Heijden3,4
1Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands. h.j.a.smaling@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|June 27, 2016
Summary
Maternal reflective functioning (RF) predicts infant physical aggression, especially when mothers are not intrusive. Interventions targeting RF may reduce early aggression, but parenting quality can influence outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal Mental Health
Background:
- Maternal reflective functioning (RF) is linked to parent-child interactions and child development.
- Understanding factors influencing infant physical aggression is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if prenatal maternal RF predicts infant physical aggression.
- To investigate the mediating or moderating roles of maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness.
Main Methods:
- 96 first-time mothers and infants participated.
- Prenatal RF assessed via interview; maternal behavior observed at 6 months.
- Infant physical aggression reported by mothers at 6, 12, and 20 months.
Main Results:
- Poor prenatal RF associated with higher infant physical aggression.
- Maternal intrusiveness moderated this association; effects seen only without intrusiveness.
- Aggression increased from 6 to 12 months, except in low RF/low sensitivity dyads.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal RF is linked to infant physical aggression development.
- Interventions targeting RF could reduce early aggression.
- Parenting quality may impact RF's effectiveness or mask developmental insights.
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