Distinct mechanisms linking romantic attachment dimensions to harsh discipline among Chinese parents of young children

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the mediating role of parental reflective functioning (PRF) and parental sense of competence (PSC) in the effect of romantic attachment on harsh discipline among Chinese parents of young children through both variable- and person-centered approaches. Background: Harsh discipline is a negative parenting practice that has detrimental impacts on children. Evidence showed that parents' insecure romantic attachment may contribute to the use of harsh discipline, whereas the psychological mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Method: Participants were 489 Chinese parents of children aged 0 to 5 years. Validated scales were used to assess romantic attachment, PRF (assessed by the prementalizing modes dimension), PSC, and harsh discipline. Mediation analysis and latent profile analysis were conducted. Results: PSC mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and harsh discipline, whereas PRF and PSC played a chain-mediating role between attachment anxiety and harsh discipline. By using the person-centered approach, three profiles of attachment were identified: secure (46.8%), dismissive (23.9%), and fearful (29.2%). Compared to secure profile, PRF and PSC sequentially mediated the link between dismissive/fearful profile of attachment and harsh discipline. Conclusions: The mediating roles of PRF and PSC elucidated psychological mechanisms for the impact of romantic attachment on harsh parenting, particularly among couples with dismissive and fearful attachment. Implications: Improving PRF and PSC is crucial for preventing harsh parenting among insecurely attached couples.