Contributions of maternal emotional functioning to socialization of coping

Jennifer D. Monti, Karen D. Rudolph, Jamie L. Abaied

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined whether maternal emotional functioning-emotional awareness and depression-guides the coping suggestions mothers make to their children in the context of a common childhood stressor (peer victimization). Across two waves of a longitudinal study, 330 mothers and their second graders (mean age (M) = 7.95 years, SD =.33; 158 boys and 172 girls) completed questionnaires. Emotional awareness predicted more primary control engagement suggestions (directly addressing stress or emotions). Depression predicted fewer cognitive restructuring suggestions (thinking positively) and more cognitive avoidance suggestions (orienting thoughts away from stress). Interactive effects between maternal emotional functioning and child sex also emerged. This study elucidates the impact of mothers' emotional functioning on how they teach their children to cope with stress.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-269
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Emotional functioning
  • maternal depression
  • parenting
  • socialization of coping

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Communication
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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