The Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Social Support on the Relationship Between Adult Attachment and Parenting Behavior in Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study examined the factors influencing the parenting behaviors of parents of children with developmental disabilities using Belsky’s (1984) process model. Data from 204 parents were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 29, with item parcels created to improve model fit. Confirmatory factor analysis and path significance tests confirmed the fit of the structural model. High self-esteem and social support were positively correlated with positive parenting behaviors. Adult attachment had a significant negative effect on self-esteem, social support, and parenting behavior, while self-esteem and social support positively affected parenting behavior. Bootstrapping confirmed that attachment anxiety and avoidance significantly impacted self-esteem and social support, which in turn influenced parenting behavior. The study highlighted the importance of self-esteem and social support in mediating the relationship between adult attachment and parenting behaviors.