Reflective function in first-time mothers and fathers: Association with infant temperament and parenting stress

Objective. - Infant temperament is biologically determined. However, there is increasing proof that environmental factors may also have a relevant influence. The present study focuses on the role of parental reflective function (RF; Fonagy et al., 1998), that is, the psychological basis of emotion regulation. Methods. - RF was assessed in 40 low-risk first-time parents during the seventh month of pregnancy, using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI; Main, Goldwyn, & Hesse, 1984-2002). At the baby's sixth month, parents responded to the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (Gartstein & Rothbart, 2003), aimed to evaluate the child's perceived temperament and the Parenting Stress Index-SF (Abidin, 1995). Parents' depression was measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Benvenuti et al., 1999). Results. - No difference was found between mothers and fathers regarding RF and depression scores. Self-reported depression was associated with lower scores of RF. Lower RF during pregnancy was associated with higher child dysfunctional interaction in both mothers and fathers. Also, lower maternal RF was associated with higher perceived infant sadness whereas lower paternal RF was associated with higher infant negative affectivity. Conclusions. - Early parenting programs should enhance maternal and paternal reflective functioning to promote sensitive caregiving behaviors and support the child's development. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the impact of parental reflective function on infant temperament and parenting stress. Results indicate a correlation between depression and RF, lower RF being associated with higher child dysfunctional interaction, lower maternal RF related to perceived infant sadness, and lower paternal RF linked to higher infant negative affectivity.