Mother–child similarity during observed interactions: Links with mother and child effortful control

Objective

We examined whether mothers' and child's regulatory capacity, measured by effortful control (EC) and its facets, is associated with variance in mother–child within-dyad similarity in multiple aspects of positive emotions and behaviors during their interaction.

Background

Both parents' and children's self-regulation capacities may help them to modulate their behaviors and emotions to be mutually responsive to and harmonious with their interaction partner.

Methods

Participants were children of 3- to-7-year-olds and their mothers (n = 147). Mothers completed a set of questionnaires regarding themselves, their child, and demographics, and mother–child interactions were observed during three cooperative tasks. We estimated mother–child within-dyad similarity during their brief interaction using the Q-correlation method.

Results

Mothers' general EC was statistically associated with greater mother–child similarity, but children's EC was not. When testing the subscales of EC, greater mother–child similarity was associated with mother's higher attentional control, child's better attention focusing, child's lower levels of low intensity pleasure, and older child age.

Conclusion

Mother's higher attentional control and child's better attention focusing are associated with greater mother and child within-dyad similarity during their interactions.

Implications

This study highlights the importance of considering child and mother self-regulation for intervention efforts to better understand how dyads match and co-modulate their behaviors and emotions during their interactions.