Development and validation of a novel microcoding system for parent and child emotion-related behavior

Microcoding systems can facilitate detection of parent-child interaction processes, which cannot be disentangled through self-report or global coding methods. Yet, existing microcoding approaches focus on a relatively narrow range of behavior, particularly for children. The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a novel microcoding system for capturing second-by-second changes in parent and child emotion-related behavior. A 6-min videorecorded conflict resolution task was double-coded for 159 parent-child (ages 6-16 years, M_age = 11.17, SD_age = 3.43, 49.1% female; 26.4% White, non-Hispanic; 44.7% early caregiving-related adversity exposed) dyads. Results provided strong evidence of interrater reliability and concurrent validity with respect to global ratings. There was mixed evidence of nomological validity vis-à-vis mental health outcomes. As expected, greater parent depressive symptoms were associated with less parent positive social communication and more child nonautonomous behavior; child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms were associated with more parent off-task behavior. Surprisingly, parent active social engagement, reflecting efforts to socialize emotions or support autonomy, was positively associated with child anxiety (specifically among adolescents); child behaviors were not associated with child mental health. On average, children's positive social communication increased the likelihood of subsequent parent positive communication, and vice versa. Parents were typically more likely to engage in active social engagement behavior immediately following child withdrawal, and children were more likely to withdraw following parent active social engagement. Results offer initial support for the reliability, validity, and utility of our microcoding approach in elucidating bidirectional parent-child dynamics, and warrant replication in additional samples and interaction contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).