Maternal sensitivity as a moderator of the relation between maternal maltreatment history and child executive function

Arielle Dryer

doi:10.32920/ryerson.14662560.v1

Abstract

Parenting is linked to child executive function, however support for this association is inconsistent. Further, little research has addressed the link between maternal maltreatment history and child executive function, despite findings that maternal maltreatment history is associated with child outcomes linked to executive function. I hypothesised that maternal sensitivity moderates the association between maternal maltreatment history and child executive function, such that maltreatment history is negatively associated with executive function for less sensitive mothers. Maternal maltreatment history was assessed via self-report at child age 3 months. Maternal sensitivity was assessed observationally at child age 8 months and child executive function was assessed using performance-based measures at child age 3 years. Results indicate that higher maternal maltreatment history is negatively associated with child executive function, only when mothers are relatively insensitive. Results elucidate mixed findings on parenting and child executive function by introducing a model that accounts for past maternal experiences.

Highlights

I hypothesised that maternal sensitivity moderates the association between maternal maltreatment history and child executive function, such that maltreatment history is negatively associated with executive function for less sensitive mothers
Child executive function composite was significantly correlated with maternal full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and socioeconomic status, but not child gender
This is surprising given that maternal maltreatment history is linked to elevated child internalizing and externalizing behaviours (Collishaw et al, 2007; Pereira et al, 2017; Zvara et al, 2017), both linked to challenges in executive function (McNamara et al, 2014; Rock, Roiser, Riedel, & Blackwell, 2014; Schoechlin & Engel, 2005; Schoemaker et al, 2013)

Summary

Introduction

AUTHOR'S DECLARATION FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF A THESIS I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. Maternal Sensitivity as a Moderator of the Relation Between Maternal Maltreatment History and Child Executive Function Masters of Arts 2018 Arielle Dryer Psychology Ryerson University Abstract. Results indicate that higher maternal maltreatment history is negatively associated with child executive function, only when mothers are relatively insensitive. Results elucidate mixed findings on parenting and child executive function by introducing a model that accounts for past maternal experiences

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