Poster #20 - Strongest predictor of child and parenting outcomes: Perceptions Versus Observations of Child Inhibited Temperament

• In Event: Poster Session 15

Abstract

Developmental temperament research often relies on two primary approaches to data collection: parent-report and observation. Although each has its strengths, observation is considered the “gold standard” due to heightened objectivity (Hawes & Dadds, 2006). However, less is known about the predictive power of observation compared to parent-report, particularly in predicting parenting behaviors and child anxiety outcomes. Though it is known that early inhibited temperament predicts later parenting and child outcomes (Pérez-Edgar & Fox, 2005), it is unclear whether parent perceptions of inhibition or observed inhibited temperament is a better predictor of each of these outcomes. For example, although biases associated with perceptions may attenuate their relation to child outcomes, parent perceptions may be uniquely relevant to parents’ own functioning. Thus, we investigated whether observed or perceived child temperament is a better predictor of parenting and child anxiety outcomes over time. We hypothesized that perceived inhibition would more strongly predict child and parent outcomes as parental perceptions may more directly impact parenting behavior and parent-child interactions (Moore et al., 2004).

A sample of 136 children (55.7% male, 83.8% White) and their parents participated in a longitudinal study at child ages 3 (T1) and 4 (T2). Perceived and observed inhibited temperament were assessed respectively via maternal report on Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (Carter & Briggs-Gowan, 2000) and a standardized protocol for inhibited temperament (Fox et al., 2001) at T1. Child anxiety outcomes were assessed via maternal and paternal report on the Preschool Anxiety Scale (Spence et al., 2001), and coded shyness and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during a speech task (Murray et al., 2012). Parent outcomes, specifically maternal attitudes towards shyness and maternal sense of competency, were assessed via the Coplan Child Behavior Vignettes (Coplan et al., 2002), the Attitudes about Parenting Strategies for Anxiety Scale (Kiel et al., 2017), and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (Johnston & Mash, 1989).

Bivariate relations existed between maternal perceptions of inhibited temperament in T1 and maternal perceptions of anxiety in T2 (r = .456, p <.001), and between observed fearful temperament in T1 and RSA during a speech task in T2 (r = .325, p = .024). A path model conducted in Mplus (Muthén & Muthén, 2012), showed maternal perceptions in T1 significantly predicted both maternal (b = .424, SE = .093, p <.001) and paternal (b = .228 SE = .116, p = .049) perceptions of child anxiety at T2. Furthermore, maternal perceptions of anxiety at T2 correlated with maternal sense of competence and maternal distress towards child inhibition symptoms. Overall, results demonstrated stability in parental perceptions of inhibition, as well as links between maternal perceptions and their internal sensations of distress and competency within parenting.

Thus, method type should be considered when assessing child inhibited temperament. When focused on child anxiety outcomes, studies should rely on observation. However, when focused on internal parental experiences, parent perception of temperament should be used. If examining the interplay between child experiences and parent experiences, studies should use both parent report and observation as each method provides insight the other may miss.

Authors

• Nicole M. Baumgartner, Miami University - Ohio
  Presenting Author

• Ella J. Amaral Lavoie

• Elizabeth J Kiel, Miami University - Ohio