Past Childhood Experiences and Current Parent-Infant Interactions

Abstract

To examine the relationships between adults' childhood experiences in their family of origin, current level of marital support, and quality of parenting interactions, 66 mothers and fathers were observed individually interacting with their infants during home visits using a standardized observational measure (Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale). Parents completed questionnaires on marital support (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and on childhood experiences in the family of origin (Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire). For mothers, there was no relationship between childhood experiences and the quality of parenting interactions. For fathers, the relationship varied as a function of marital support. Fathers who perceived less positive childhood experiences but who had more optimal levels of marital support were predicted to have more responsive parenting interactions.