Emotion talk in parent–child conversations about past emotions in low-income families

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study analysed the total words and emotion words, narrative styles, and narrative content of low-income parent–child conversations about past emotions in Taiwan. We recruited 38 low-income parents and their children (20 boys and 18 girls); the parents were recorded in their homes as they discussed past events with their children. The average age of the children was 72 months. The results highlighted the absence of gender differences in the number of words, narrative styles, and narrative content in the low-income parent–child emotion talk. The parents favoured a low-elaborative style with minimal conversational turns. Our analysis revealed that the physical discipline of low-income parents was a notable emotional theme prompting negative emotions, particularly anger, in children. In terms of emotional resolution, the parents in our sample did not provide moral lessons; moreover, when managing children’s negative emotions, these parents did not adopt resolution, reassurance, or reestablishment strategies.