Researcher(s)
- Evelyn Steinman, Psychology,
University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Mary Dozier, Psychology, University of Delaware
Abstract
Existing literature suggests that children with mothers who experienced trauma are more likely to have poor outcomes. This study aimed to test if sensitive parenting can mediate this effect. These data were pulled from a larger, longitudinal study evaluating a parenting intervention administered in infancy. The sample included CPS-referred mothers (N=124) who reported on their own childhood trauma using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). When the children were 10 years old, they came back in for a follow-up visit and underwent the Children’s Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes (ChIPS). Parental sensitivity was coded from recorded semi-structured play assessments post intervention. Pearson Correlation tests was used to assess the associations between maternal emotional neglect and parental sensitivity (r = .177, p = .0049), and maternal emotional neglect and child internalizing symptoms (r = –0.332, p = .001). A mediation analysis (N=73) was done to assess the association of maternal emotional neglect and child internalizing symptoms via early childhood sensitivity (p > .05). The original hypothesis was not supported; greater maternal emotional neglect was associated with higher parental sensitivity and lower child internalizing symptoms, but sensitive parenting did not significantly mediate this association. While existing literature reports positive relationships between maternal trauma and poor child outcomes, our findings suggest a possible compensatory effect. Mothers who experienced emotional neglect may be motivated to parent differently, striving to create a more sensitive environment than the one they grew up in. This intentional shift may positively influence child outcomes. Given the preliminary nature of this study, further research is needed to clarify the pathways linking maternal trauma, parenting behaviors, and child outcomes.
