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Equifinality and multifinality in developmental paths to a hostile mindset: A longitudinal study of mother–child and father–child dyads from toddler to early school age
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DOI：10.1017/S0954579426101333.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Studies persuasively show that parental power assertion contributes to children’s hostile (defensive) mindsets; but most examined severe forms of control (abuse; harsh punishment) and aggressive children. Less is known about processes linking power assertion with children’s hostile mindsets in typical; low-risk families. Further; specific mechanisms accounting for associations between parenting and hostile mindsets are unclear; children’s theory of mind (ToM) and regulation have been suggested; implying equifinality in developmental cascades. Finally; factors that moderate impact of parenting on children’s hostile mindsets; implying multifinality; are unclear. In a study of 200 mothers; fathers; and children; we proposed that links between parental power assertion and children’s hostile mindsets are (a) accounted for by two parallel mediators – children’s poor ToM and poor regulation; and (b) moderated by their representations of parents. We expected links between power assertion and hostile mindset to be significant for children with negative representations; but defused; or absent; for children with positive representations. Parental power assertion was assessed at toddler and preschool age; ToM and regulation at preschool age; and hostile mindsets and representations of parents at early school age. We supported both mediated paths for mother–child dyads; mediation via child regulation for father–child dyads; and moderation for both.
Keywords:
Hostile mindset
Parenting
Theory of mind
Regulation
Children’s representations
Longitudinal studies
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