Maternal autonomy support and dyadic verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction: Links with child attachment representations and independent narrative competence

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated the empirical bases for 2 dimensions of narrative coconstruction (autonomy support and verbal synchrony) with 65 mother–child dyads. Links between the 2 narrative dimensions and child narrative competence were tested, and differences in autonomy support and verbal synchrony across attachment groups (child story‐stem measure) were examined. Child independent narratives and mother–child narrative conversations were coded and analysed at the turn‐by‐turn level. Principal components analysis revealed the verbal behaviours that composed autonomy support and verbal synchrony reflected the extent to which mothers supported their children's independent competence and the degree to which interactions were mutually reciprocal and constructive, respectively. As predicted, avoidant and ambivalent dyads differed in terms of autonomy support but were comparable on verbal synchrony, revealing the differential influence of insecure attachment on mother–child narrative coconstruction. As hypothesized, autonomy support was related to child independent narrative competence when narrating collaboratively and alone, and verbal synchrony was related to more child engagement during narrative conversations. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.Highlights This study examines autonomy support and verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction, links to child narrative competence, and differences across attachment groups. With a microanalytic approach, findings reveal the first empirical evidence of the relation between child attachment representations and maternal autonomy support in narrative conversations. Results underscore the importance of microanalysis in revealing unique and separate dimensions contributing to the conversation in which the story is constructed and to the story itself.