Work

Are adult mentalizing abilities associated with mind-mindedness?

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: The precise nature of the relation between adult mentalizing abilities and parental representations of the child as a mental agent (mind-mindedness) is under current debate. While some authors state that it is the same competence expressed in different contexts, others assert that they are different constructs. This study examined the relation between mentalizing and mind-mindedness, in mothers and fathers, while investigating their potential links to socio-demographic, parental, and child variables. Participants were 74 families comprising of mother, father, and their preschool-aged child. Controlling for educational level, psychopathological symptoms, and children’s reported temperament, the relation between mentalizing and mind-mindedness was non-significant. Moreover, mentalizing and mind-mindedness were shown to have distinct correlates, supporting the proposal that they are two distinct constructs.

Source: International Journal of Behavioral Development

DOI: 10.1177/0165025415616200

Authors: Ana Luísa Barreto, R. M. Pasco Fearon, Ana Osório, Elizabeth Meins, Carla Martins

Institutions: University of Minho, University College London, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, University of York

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council