Mentalizing in first-time fathers: reflective functioning as a mediator between attachment representation and sensitivity

Sensitivity in parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Since fathers are increasingly involved in childrearing, identifying factors leading to paternal sensitivity is crucial. We examined the relation between attachment representation and reflective functioning (RF) as factors i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Attachment & human development 2023-09, Vol.25 (5), p.544-565
Main Authors: Dinzinger, Antonia, Ismair, Selina, Brisch, Karl Heinz, Sperl, Wolfang, Deneault, Audrey-Ann, Nolte, Tobias, Hitzl, Wolfgang, Priewasser, Beate
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adult attachment
Fathers
mediation
mentalizing
parenting sensitivity
reflective functioning
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Summary:Sensitivity in parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Since fathers are increasingly involved in childrearing, identifying factors leading to paternal sensitivity is crucial. We examined the relation between attachment representation and reflective functioning (RF) as factors influencing paternal sensitivity in a longitudinal study including N = 40 first-time fathers (M age  = 33) and their 6-month-old children. We used the Adult Attachment Interview during pregnancy to assess paternal attachment representation and general RF, the Parental Development Interview to assess fathers' parental RF, and the Emotional Availability Scale to measure sensitivity at child's age of 6 month. Data show that secure paternal attachment representation, high general and parental RF are associated with higher levels of paternal sensitivity. Further, parental RF mediates the association between attachment representation and paternal sensitivity. These findings contribute to the identification of a causal interplay in that they suggest an explanatory effect of RF on the association between fathers' attachment representation, and sensitivity.
ISSN:1461-6734
1469-2988
DOI:10.1080/14616734.2023.2258354