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Past childhood experiences and current parent-infant interactions
J E Onyskiw1, M J Harrison, J E Magill-Evans
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton. jonyskiw@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Parenting quality is linked to childhood family experiences and marital support. For fathers, positive marital support can buffer negative childhood experiences, leading to more responsive parenting.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Childhood family experiences significantly shape adult relationships.
- Marital support is a crucial factor in parenting dynamics.
- Understanding these interconnections is vital for family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the links between family of origin experiences, marital support, and parenting quality.
- To differentiate these relationships for mothers and fathers.
Main Methods:
- 66 parents (mothers and fathers) were observed interacting with their infants.
- Standardized observational measures (Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale) were used.
- Questionnaires assessed marital support (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and childhood experiences (Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire).
Main Results:
- No direct relationship was found between mothers' childhood experiences and parenting quality.
- For fathers, marital support moderated the impact of childhood experiences on parenting.
- Fathers with less positive childhood experiences but high marital support showed more responsive parenting.
Conclusions:
- Marital support plays a key role in how fathers' early life experiences influence their parenting.
- Interventions supporting marital quality may enhance fathering, even with challenging childhood backgrounds.