The Relationship Between Maternal Positivity and Child Positive Affectivity: A Cross-Lagged Analysis

Few studies have examined the relationship between maternal positivity (MP) and child positive affectivity (CP) across toddlerhood, and if it is best explained by genetic or environmental factors. The current study addressed... [ view full abstract ]

Few studies have examined the relationship between maternal positivity (MP) and child positive affectivity (CP) across toddlerhood, and if it is best explained by genetic or environmental factors. The current study addressed this question by using a cross-lagged design to examine the stability, change, and reciprocal influences of these constructs from ages 2 to 3 years. 

Participants included 314 same-sex twin pairs from the Boston University Twin Project (N_MZ=144, N_DZ=168) assessed at ages 2 and 3. CP was assessed via the Pleasure subscale of the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (parent report). This subscale captures individual differences in the intensity of positive reactions to expected pleasurable activities. MP was assessed via self-report of feelings toward the child (Parent Feelings Questionnaire) and items from a parent discipline questionnaire.  

MP showed strong shared environmental influences at ages 2 (C²=.69) and 3 (C²=.58). Genetic and nonshared environmental influences were observed at ages 2 (A²=.16; E²=.15) and 3 (A²=.18; E²=.21). CP showed significant shared and nonshared environmental influences at ages 2 (C²=.44; E²=.17) and 3 (C²=.40; E²=.35). Genetic influences on CP were significant at age 2 (A²=.39) and at 3 (A²=.25) The phenotypic associations between MP and CP at ages 2 and 3 were respectively r=.28 and r=.31. Both associations were explained by shared environmental factors. Both MP and CP were moderately stable over time (β_MP=.43, β_CP=.52). CP at age 2 significantly predicted MP at age 3 (β₂₁=.10), suggesting that CP affects MP over time. This association was primarily driven by shared environmental factors.

  These findings suggest that child positive affectivity does affect parental warmth and affection.   Shared environmental influences may be driving this relationship. These influences could reflect a family-level affective style or climate that fosters positivity and warmth for mothers and children.