Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Brent Robbins

Abstract

Parental reflective functioning (PRF) is a critical contributor to positive parenting outcomes. Early adverse experiences are a significant risk factor for insensitive parenting practices and poor PRF. Researchers have found that positive emotions, such as dispositional joy (DJ), influence both parenting outcomes and building resilience to stressful events. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), DJ, and PRF have been studied extensively in the literature as separate or paired constructs. However, to date, no studies have examined how these variables interact with each other. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between ACEs, DJ, and PRF, and the mediating effect of DJ on the relationship between ACEs and PRF among parents of young children. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s posttraumatic growth theory provided the theoretical foundation for this nonexperimental survey research study. Using a correlational design, the surveys from 147 parent participants were analyzed using linear regressions. The study results indicated several important findings. The Joyful Life Scale was found to predict the ACE Neglect subscale as well as the Interest and Curiosity About Mental States (IC) and Pre-Mentalizing (PM) subscales of the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. These findings are the first of their kind and therefore represent a genuine advance for the literature. Although the results of this study did not support DJ as a mediator of the relationship between ACEs and PRF, there is undeniable value in pursuing a greater understanding of factors that promote the development of PRF. Findings may be used by psychologists for positive social change by assisting parents to better serve parents their children.

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