The Relationship Between Mother's Attachment Dimensions and Child's Emotion Regulation: The Mediating Role of Irrational Beliefs and Mother's Reflective Function

Rashed, Hoda; Amin Yazdi, Seyed Amir; Bordbar, Maryam

doi:10.48308/apsy.2025.236795.1701

The Relationship Between Mother's Attachment Dimensions and Child's Emotion Regulation: The Mediating Role of Irrational Beliefs and Mother's Reflective Function

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ MA in Educational Psychology, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

² Professor, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

10.48308/apsy.2025.236795.1701

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between dimensions of maternal attachment and child emotion regulation, as well as the mediating roles of irrational beliefs and maternal reflective function.

Method: This descriptive-correlational study included mothers of elementary school children in Mashhad during the 2019–2020 academic year. A sample of 308 mothers was selected using convenience sampling. Data collection utilized the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC), Parenting Reflective Function Questionnaire (PRFQ), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Parents' Rational and Irrational Beliefs Scale (P-RIBS). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27 and AMOS 24.

Results: Results indicated that anxious and avoidant attachment, along with irrational beliefs, negatively impact child emotion regulation. Avoidant attachment showed a stronger direct effect compared to anxious attachment. Maternal reflective function positively influenced child emotion regulation. Indirectly, irrational beliefs mediated the negative impact of anxious attachment on emotion regulation. Similarly, avoidant attachment indirectly affected child emotion regulation through reflective function, with negative consequences.

Conclusion: Maternal anxious and avoidant attachment contribute to emotional dysregulation in children by fostering irrational cognitive beliefs and reducing reflective capacity. These findings highlight the importance of parent education and relationship development.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Educational Psychology

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