Parenting Self-Efficacy and Dyadic Autonomic Responses During Parent-Child Conflict
Loading...
Authors
Thambipillai, Prakash
Date
2025-01-07
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Parenting self-efficacy , Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) , Parent-child conflict , Adolescence , Parenting self-esteem , Parenting satisfaction
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this thesis, I explored the relationship between parenting self-efficacy and autonomic self-regulation, using respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as a dynamic and sensitive indicator of physiological affective regulation during parent-adolescent conflict. Grounded in social cognitive theory, I examined how parenting self-efficacy relates to parents’ physiological affective responses during conflict interactions with their children. The data for the two studies presented herein were drawn from an archival dataset of a diverse sample of dyads comprised of 162 youth (ages 10-13; 47% female; 60% racial/ethnic minority) and their caregivers (94% female; 48% racial/ethnic minority). In Study 1, I used latent growth curve modeling to examine parental RSA trajectories, demonstrating that parenting satisfaction—the affective component of parenting self-efficacy reflecting a sense of fulfillment—predicts changes in the trajectory of physiological affective regulatory responses during the anticipation of conflict. High-satisfaction parents showed minimal anticipatory reactivity with RSA withdrawal occurring as conflict began, suggesting a more context-sensitive regulatory approach, whereas low-satisfaction parents exhibited RSA withdrawal during anticipation. In Study 2, I extended this inquiry into the dyadic context, analyzing whether parenting self-efficacy moderated time-lagged RSA synchrony in parent-adolescent interactions. Findings indicated that parenting cognitions were not directly associated with time-lagged physiological synchrony in parent-child dyads. Together, these studies provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underpinning parenting cognitions and contribute to a nuanced understanding of PSE’s role in dyadic self-regulation. Implications include the potential for interventions targeting parental self-regulatory capacities through practices like mindfulness and biofeedback, supporting both parental efficacy and adolescent developmental outcomes in emotionally charged contexts.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 4.0 International