Adverse and positive childhood experiences in parental history and their association with parental reflective functioning and parenting behavior

This study examined whether Parental Reflective Functioning (PRF) mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and parent-child interaction, focusing on positive and negative parenting behaviors, while accounting for the potentially moderating role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on the effect of ACEs on PRF. The study included 110 parent-child dyads from clinical and non-clinical settings, observed during play sessions. Parents completed questionnaires on ACEs and PRF. Results showed that the relationship between ACEs and positive parenting behaviors was mediated by PRF. ACEs had a direct effect on negative parenting behaviors. PCEs neither predicted PRF nor interacted with ACEs. The results corroborate the value of interventions targeting parental reflective functioning to improve parental sensitivity. Negative parenting behaviors, such as intrusiveness, are less likely to be mitigated through improved reflective functioning.