How do parents’ positive and negative affect relate to positive and negative social behaviour in early childhood?

Child social behaviour is indicative of psychosocial functioning. Familial factors, including positive and negative parental characteristics are proposed to be related to child adaptive and maladaptive social behaviour. The differential susceptibility (DS) theory suggests that the relationship between parental characteristics and child behaviour can only be understood after taking child characteristics into consideration. In this study, we explored the relationship between parental positive and negative affect/social anxiety and child positive shyness and avoidance while taking into account the potential moderating role of child temperament. The sample consisted of children aged 4 to 6 years (N = 68, Age M =5.16; 34 girls) and their primary caregivers. Parents reported their positive and negative affect and their child’s temperament. Child positive shyness and avoidance were observed during a social performance task. Parenting dimensions did not significantly relate to child social...Show moreChild social behaviour is indicative of psychosocial functioning. Familial factors, including positive and negative parental characteristics are proposed to be related to child adaptive and maladaptive social behaviour. The differential susceptibility (DS) theory suggests that the relationship between parental characteristics and child behaviour can only be understood after taking child characteristics into consideration. In this study, we explored the relationship between parental positive and negative affect/social anxiety and child positive shyness and avoidance while taking into account the potential moderating role of child temperament. The sample consisted of children aged 4 to 6 years (N = 68, Age M =5.16; 34 girls) and their primary caregivers. Parents reported their positive and negative affect and their child’s temperament. Child positive shyness and avoidance were observed during a social performance task. Parenting dimensions did not significantly relate to child social behaviour. No significant associations were found between parental positive affect and child observed positive shyness, or between parental negative affect/ social anxiety and child observed avoidance. Child temperament was not found to enhance the relationship between parenting dimensions and child observed behaviour. These non-significant results could be explained by the reflexive nature of inhibitory behaviour, or by methodological aspects of the study.Show less

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How do parents’ positive and negative affect relate to positive and negative social behaviour in early childhood?