Parenting reflectivity and mind-mindedness as unique predictors of children's attachment security and social–emotional development

Abstract

The current longitudinal study aimed to examine two forms of parental mentalization, parenting reflectivity and mind-mindedness, as predictors of children's attachment security and social–emotional development at 2 years old. Participants included 88 racially and socioeconomically diverse women and their toddlers. Results showed prenatal parenting reflectivity significantly predicted toddler attachment security. Mothers' use of appropriate mind-related comments did not significantly predict toddler attachment security, social–emotional competence or social–emotional problems cross-sectionally above and beyond prenatal or 2-year parenting reflectivity. A mediation analysis, however, revealed an indirect relationship between prenatal parenting reflectivity and toddler attachment security via appropriate mind-related comments. The results of the present study indicate that early parenting reflectivity may serve as an important predictor of later attachment security and social–emotional development and that prenatal parenting reflectivity may serve as a precursor to parents' use of mind-minded comments with their children.