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The current meta-analysis examined the mediating role of sensitive-responsive parenting in the relationship between depression in mothers and internalizing and externalizing behavior in children. A systematic review of the path of maternal sensitive responsiveness to child psychopathology identified eligible studies. Meta-analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM) allowed for the systematic examination of the magnitude of the indirect effect across 68 studies (N = 15,579) for internalizing and 92 studies (N = 26,218) for externalizing psychopathology. The synthesized sample included predominantly White, English-speaking children (age range = 1 to 205 months; Mage = 66 months; 47% female) from Western, industrialized countries. The indirect pathway was small in magnitude and similar for externalizing (b =.02) and internalizing psychopathology (b =.01). Moderator analyses found that the indirect pathway for externalizing problems was stronger when mother-child interactions were observed during naturalistic and free-play tasks rather than structured tasks. Other tested moderators were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Developmental research has traditionally focused on parenting behaviors such as nurturance and care, due to a focus on mothers' behaviors. Other parenting dimensions such as parental playfulness (i.e., use of creativity, imagination, and humor during parent--child interactions) have comparatively received little attention. Although some measures tap into parents' and children's playfulness, these measures are limited. Indeed, they do not assess multiple domains of playfulness (i.e., both parents' and the child's playfulness) or focus on one specific setting such as children's play with peers. Additionally, existing measures do not consider parents' reactions to their partners' playfulness. To address this gap, we created the Playful Parenting Style Questionnaire (PPSQ), which assesses three domains of playfulness: (a) parental domain, (b) child domain, and (c) partner domain. The current study is part of a validation effort of the PPSQ using a quantitative design. We aimed to explore the structure of the PPSQ by conducting an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for each domain of playfulness; and assess the construct validity of the PPSQ factors by examining the association between factors and existing measures of playful parenting, child playfulness, and co-parenting. Method: The sample includes 347 parents (294 mothers and 53 fathers) of preschool/school-age children (M = 5.10 years; 182 girls, 127 boys). Parents were mostly White (76%) and from a low socioeconomic risk background. Parents completed a series of online questionnaires including the PPSQ, 3 existing measures of parent playfulness (Parental Playfulness Questionnaire; Adult Playfulness Scale; Challenging Parenting Behavior Scale), 2 existing measures of child playfulness (Child Behavior Inventory; Children's Playfulness Scale), a coparenting instrument (Co-parenting Relationship Scale), and sociodemographic information. Results: The EFA revealed 4 factors for parental playfulness, 1 factor for child playfulness, and 3 factors for partner's playfulness. The construct validity analyses identified multiple associations indicating convergence with existing measures for the parent and partners domain but not the child factor. Discussion: This study allowed for a better understanding of the playful dynamics that occur within a family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two meta-analyses were conducted (N = 10,980 child-father dyads) with 93 studies published between 1983-2020, primarily in North America and Europe, on observed parental sensitivity to children (3-180 months; 48% girls; 14% non-White) in partnered mothers and fathers. The first meta-analysis found higher maternal mean levels of observed sensitivity, with a small effect size (d = -.27). Differences between parents were larger with micro coding and triadic/family assessments. Differences narrowed as a function of publication year and were not significant in European samples. The second meta-analysis identified a moderate correlation between observed maternal and paternal sensitivity (r = .23 after adjusting for probable publication bias). Correlations were larger in Middle Eastern samples and with composite sensitivity scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis synthesized the distribution of attachment classifications as coded with the Cassidy-Marvin Preschool Attachment Coding System and the Main-Cassidy Six-Year-Old System. These systems have extended scholars' capacity to measure differences in the developing child-parent attachment relationship, and its sequelae, beyond the infancy period; however, the global distribution of the attachment categories in these systems, and the potential factors influencing this distribution, remain unknown. The meta-analysis included 97 samples (N = 8,186 children; 55% boys), mostly drawn from North American or European populations (89%; M = 76% White). Results indicated that the distribution of child-mother attachment was 53.5% secure, 14.0% avoidant, 11.0% ambivalent, and 21.5% disorganized/controlling. Moderator analyses showed that rates of security were lower, and rates of disorganization were higher, in samples of at-risk families, specifically when children were exposed to maltreatment. Variations in the procedure also moderated the distribution. The discussion calls for greater unity around methodological practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although numerous individual studies have attempted to link child–parent attachment and prosociality, a systematic picture of that relationship requires a meta-analytic approach that considers different dimensions of prosociality and potential moderators. The current meta-analysis examined 41 studies drawn primarily from North America and Europe and published between 1978 to 2020. Child age ranged from 12 to 53 months at the assessment of child–parent attachment and 12 to 108 months at the assessment of prosociality. Across 35 studies (100 effect sizes, N = 4,611), child–mother attachment security and child prosociality were significantly associated (r =.19, 95% CI [.14,.23]). No moderators were identified. Exploratory estimates were also derived for subtypes of child–mother attachment insecurity. Across six studies (eight effect sizes, N = 402), child–father attachment security was significantly associated with prosociality (r =.11, 95% CI [.02,.23]). The magnitude of effect sizes did not differ based on parent gender. The discussion considers areas of growth for attachment and prosociality research. Public Significance Statement: The nature by which we interact with one another—namely how we help and show kindness to others—is critical for a functional and prosperous society. This study examined child–parent attachment as a potential source of influence for the development of prosociality. Across 41 studies and over 4,000 children, we identified that when children form a secure attachment relationship to their mothers and fathers, they are more likely to behave prosocially toward others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past meta-analyses show that both child-mother and child-father attachment insecurity are independently and jointly associated with more externalizing behaviors in children. Little is known, however, on the ways that different types of insecure attachment independently and jointly predict the development of externalizing behaviors over time. Existing work also neglects the impact of children's gender within the context of child-father relationships. The current study addresses these limitations by investigating how insecure type of child-father attachment, child-mother attachment, and their interaction in the preschool years predict boys' and girls' externalizing behaviors in middle childhood, when controlling for children's externalizing behaviors in the preschool years. The sample included 144 preschool-aged children (M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77, 83 girls) and both of their parents. At Time 1, children completed independent separation-reunion procedures with each parent, which were coded using the Preschool Attachment Rating Scales. At Time 1 and Time 2 (5 years later), mothers and fathers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to report on their children's externalizing behaviors. Results showed no systematic differences in the way that child-mother and child-father attachment predicted the development of externalizing behaviors in boys and girls. Across all children, results identified an interaction of child-father and child-mother ambivalence, by which the presence of ambivalence toward both parents predicted the development of more externalizing behaviors. In addition, child-father con-trolling-caregiving attachment predicted the development of fewer externalizing behaviors. These results provide insight into the ways that insecure child-father and child-mother attachment predict later socio-emotional adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Psychology of Men & Masculinities on Mar 18 2021 (see record 2021-36794-001). In the article "The Interaction of Child-Father Attachment and Child-Mother Attachment in the Prediction of Observed Coparenting" by Jean-François Bureau, Audrey-Ann Deneault, Kim Yurkowski, Jodi Martin, Jeffry Quan, Sage Sezlik, and Camille Guérin-Marion (Psychology of Men & Masculinities, Advance online publication. July 30, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000309), the visual representation of interaction effects was erroneously the same in both Figure 2 and Figure 3. Figure 3 depicted the right values of simple slopes, but the wrong visual representation of them. All versions of this article have been corrected.] A number of studies have examined the role of coparenting relationships on the development of children's attachment to their mothers and fathers. However, previous research tends to interpret this link as unidirectional, thereby ignoring the possibility that, in reverse, child-parent attachment relationships could also predict the quality of the coparenting relationship. Furthermore, there is limited work examining how the child-father and the child-mother attachment relationships may interact to predict coparenting. In response to these limitations, the current study drew from an integrative family systems framework and observational measures to examine these possible relations in biparental heterosexual families. To assess child-parent attachment security, 144 preschool-aged children (83 girls; M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77) completed independent separation-reunion procedures with their mother and father during counterbalanced laboratory visits. During a subsequent home visit, parents engaged in triadic play with their child, from which coparenting cooperation and competition were evaluated. Results showed that child-mother and child-father attachment security were not independent predictors of coparenting; rather, their interaction significantly predicted the quality of the coparenting relationship. In line with theoretical models calling for a family systems approach, study findings highlight the importance of considering the interactive effects of child-father and child-mother attachment relationships when examining family dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence points to the theoretical and statistical advantages of continuous (rather than categorical) assessments of child-caregiver attachment. The Preschool Attachment Rating Scales (PARS) is a continuous coding system to assess preschool attachment that is complementary to the categorical MacArthur Preschool Attachment Coding System (PACS). The current study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the PARS to measure both child-mother and child-father attachment during the preschool period. Participants included 144 preschool-aged children (M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77; 83 girls) and their parents. Results support the reliability and validity of the PARS: good inter-rater reliability, expected associations between scales, convergence with the PACS, and association with parental sensitivity and child externalizing problems. These findings support the application of continuous assessments of child-caregiver attachment in the preschool years. They also align with previous work on child-mother attachment, and present avenues for future research on child-father attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Through meta -analyses of 125 studies (N = 9,213 children), this study shows medium-sized associations between child-mother attachment security and child cognition and language. • Additionally, using meta -analytical structural equation modeling, this study shows that both maternal sensitivity and child-mother attachment contribute to child cognitive and language outcomes. • This study helps shed light on the developmental processes by which parenting and early childhood relationships influence cognitive and language development in children. A programmatic set of meta-analyses by Groh et al. (e.g., Groh et al., 2017a) and Madigan et al. (e.g., Madigan et al., 2023) demonstrated that secure child-caregiver attachments are positively associated with children's social and emotional development, with somewhat stronger associations identified in relation to social competence and (lower) externalizing behaviors than for (lower) internalizing symptoms (Groh et al., 2017a). The association of attachment security with children's cognitive and language outcomes, however, is relatively less well established. Moreover, it is unknown whether attachment is associated with these outcomes through direct links, indirect links (i.e., as a mediator of the association between caregiver sensitivity and child cognition and language processes), or both. Empirical tests of these hypotheses have not yet been conducted. The current study had two main objectives: 1) provide a meta-analytic update for the association between attachment security and cognition and language (k = 125 studies [107 samples]; N = 9,213 children; 52.5% boys; 100% mothers; 93% from North America/Europe), and 2) test this association within a larger mediation model that accounts for the roles of sensitivity and attachment through a meta-analytic structural equation model (sensitivity → attachment → cognitive and language outcomes). Results showed that child-mother attachment security was significantly associated with child cognition (r = 0.17, 95% CI [0.14, 0.20]) and language outcomes (r = 0.16, 95% CI [0.12, 0.20]). The MASEM model revealed a small, but significant, indirect effect of sensitivity on cognitive and language outcomes through attachment security. The discussion considers the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in fathers’ involvement in childrearing, particularly beyond infancy, warrants research exploring factors influencing the quality of child–father attachment relationships, and the impact of these relationships on children’s social development. The current investigation explored various correlates of preschoolers’ child–father attachment security to both parents, including contextual factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, child temperament, parenting stress), parental play sensitivity, and child social adaptation. Participants included 107 preschool-aged children (59 girls; M = 46.67 months, SD = 8.57) and their fathers and mothers. Results revealed that both mothers’ and fathers’ play sensitivity were associated with child attachment security after controlling for different contextual factors. Furthermore, the magnitude of the association between child conduct problems and child–father attachment insecurity was stronger than the corresponding association with child–mother attachment insecurity. Findings provide important information on caregiving factors associated with child–father attachment security in the preschool years and the importance of this bond to children’s social adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As scholars move away from distinct conceptualizations of mothering and fathering (Fagan et al., 2014), scholars have developed novel observational paradigms that are adapted to mothers' and fathers' interactive style. For example, the Laughing Task procedure allows for the assessment of parent-child synchrony in a playful setting. However, parent-child synchrony has rarely been assessed at multiple time points, especially in middle childhood. This study aims to extend the applicability of the Laughing Task procedure to middle childhood by 1) exploring the stability between dimensions of dyadic synchrony in 76 intact biparental Canadian families over a five-year period, and 2) examining the longitudinal and concurrent association between dyadic synchrony and children's behavior problems in middle childhood. Children participated in a playful interaction with their father and their mother during separate laboratory visits at both time points. Both parents reported on their child's behavior problems at Time 2. Results showed a strong stability between the dimensions of playful interactions over time, but only for father-child dyads. Nonetheless, the interaction of mother-child and father-child coordination was a significant predictor of children's behavior problems. Result shows that children presented higher behavior problems when concurrent dyadic coordination was low with both parents. Moreover, high coordination with one parent buffered against low coordination with the other parent in the prediction of behavior problems. These results support the validity and reliability of the Laughing Task procedure in middle childhood, especially for father-child dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]