A Model for the Formation of Maternal Authority Styles Starting from Attachment, and Mediated by Temperament and Character

Abstract

Parenting styles powerfully influence child outcomes, and are thus of multi-generational significance. This study set out to examine a developmentally informed model that attachment styles, and then temperament traits, followed by character traits would predict parental styles. One hundred and eightytwo women in their thirties, mothers to children three to five years of age, self-reported online on the Temperament and Character Inventory, the Parental Authority Questionnaire, and the Experiences in Close Relationships. A structural equation model was built with excellent goodness of fit indices. Temperament and character traits were significantly predicted by attachment styles and in turn completely mediated the influence of attachment styles on parental styles. All four temperament traits and two character traits pointed meaningfully to the formation of parenting styles. In particular, being high on the temperament trait of Novelty seeking was detrimental to parental maintenance of boundaries and discipline. Being high on the character traits of Self-directedness and Cooperativeness was helpful for authoritative parenting and protective against authoritarian parenting. The current study found that mature personality, characterized by traits central to emotional regulation, goal-directed behavior, and working harmoniously with others, is beneficial to authoritative parenting. These results suggest that interventions to enhance parenting could focus on character development.