D. Solomonica-levi et al., The associations among observed maternal behavior, children's narrative representations of mothers, and children's behavior problems, J SOC PERS, 18(5), 2001, pp. 673-690
The associations among mothers' observed behavior toward child, children's
internal representations of the mother (IRMs), and children's behavior prob
lems were examined. Eighty-two preschool children ranging in age from 38 to
55 months (M = 49.2) from a low socioeconomic status, their mothers, and t
heir preschool teachers participated in the study. Mothers' observed behavi
or, and children's IRMs as revealed in their narratives, made a significant
contribution in explaining behavior problems. Ambivalent maternal behavior
characterized by inconsistent discipline and by negative touch had the hig
hest unique predictive value in explaining behavior problems. Children with
reported behavior problems reported significantly fewer appropriately disc
iplining IRMs. Only partial support was yielded for a model suggesting that
appropriately disciplining IRMs mediate the association between ambivalent
maternal behavior and child behavior problems. Findings are discussed in t
erms of the combined and differential contribution of maternal behavior and
IRMs in explaining child behavior problems.