Self-reported reflective functioning and father–child interactions in a sample of fathers who have used intimate partner violence

Abstract

Reflective functioning (RF) has been found to be associated with mother–child interactions, but less is known about the association of fathers’ self and child-focused RF and father–child relationships. Fathers who have histories of intimate partner violence (IPV) are known to have poor RF, which may impact their father–child interactions. The current study was designed to examine how types of RF are associated with father–child relationships. Pretreatment assessments and recorded, coded father–child play interactions were used to examine associations among fathers’ history of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), RF and coded father-child play interactions in a sample of 47 fathers with a history of IPV use in the last 6 months with their coparent. Fathers’ ACES and their child's mental states (CM) were associated with father-child dyadic play interactions. Fathers with greater ACES and higher scores on CM had the most dyadic tension and constriction during play interactions. Those with high ACES but low CM had scores similar to those with low ACES and low CM. These results indicate that fathers who have used IPV and have a history of significant adversity may benefit from interventions to increase their child-focused RF and further improve their interactions with their children.