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Maternal differential treatment and child adjustment: A multi-informant approach

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:32 authored by Joanne Coldwell, Alison PikeAlison Pike, Judy Dunn
The study aimed to replicate previous links with children's adjustment as well as using children's reports of maternal differential treatment (MDT) to test whether difference scores or favouritism scores demonstrate stronger links with child outcome. Finally, it tested for a unique prediction of children's adjustment from distinct aspects and informants of MDT. The sample consisted of 173 working- and middle-class English families with two children aged four to eight years. Mothers provided reports of the mother-child relationship, and both mothers and fathers provided reports of the children's problematic behaviour. The children also provided reports of parent-child relationships and perceived favouritism via a puppet interview. Results confirmed moderate links between MDT and children's adjustment and showed that difference scores provided a better prediction of adjustment than did the favouritism scores. Finally, the results showed that mothers' reports of differential positive feelings were the most salient aspect of MDT for older siblings whereas mothers' reports of negative feelings and positive discipline were the most salient aspects of MDT for younger siblings. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2008.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Social Development

ISSN

0961-205X

Issue

3

Volume

17

Page range

596-612

Pages

17.0

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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