(PS10-B28) The Mediating Role of Parental Satisfaction in the Relationship Between Parental Psychopathic Traits and Parenting Behaviors

The importance of parenting in shaping child development has been widely supported, with many considering parenting to be one of the most predictive aspects of child outcomes. However, less is known about which parent characteristics might predict parenting outcomes and what underlying relationships may link parental characteristics and parenting practices. Some literature has found that personality traits are significantly associated with parenting behaviors, and a few recent studies have specifically highlighted the role of parental psychopathic traits. Although this relationship likely operates through multiple underlying pathways, a possible understudied mediator is parental satisfaction. Broad reviews of parental satisfaction indicate a strong association with an enriching and supportive child-rearing environment and positive parenting outcomes. The current study aimed to build upon the relatively limited knowledge base on the antecedents of parenting by examining the extent to which parental personality traits, particularly psychopathic personality traits, relate to parenting behaviors, by determining the extent to which parental satisfaction mediates these associations.  

303 parents of children ages 6 to 13 years self-reported on parental psychopathic traits [Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM)], parental competence (Parenting Sense of Competence Scale), and parenting behaviors (Parents Rating of Parental Behavior Index). A mediation model was specified to test all hypotheses with parental TriPM variables serving as exogenous variables, parenting behavior variables serving as endogenous variables, and parental satisfaction serving as a mediating variable.

Regarding boldness, parental satisfaction was a mediator for the following parenting behaviors: psychological control (indirect effect B = -0.08, Boot SE = 0.04, CI 95% = -0.16 to -0.02) and firm control (indirect effect B = 0.03, Boot SE = 0.02, CI 95% = 0.004 to 0.066). Regarding meanness, parental satisfaction was a mediator for the following parenting behaviors: parental acceptance (indirect effect B = 0.06, Boot SE = 0.01, CI 95% = 0.04 to 0.09), psychological control (indirect effect B = -0.09, Boot SE = 0.02, CI 95% = -0.13 to -0.06), and firm control (indirect effect B = 0.03, Boot SE = 0.01, CI 95% = 0.01 to 0.06). For disinhibition, parental satisfaction was a mediator for the following parenting behaviors: parental acceptance (indirect effect B = 0.06, Boot SE = 0.01, CI 95% = 0.04 to 0.08), psychological control (indirect effect B = -0.10, Boot SE = 0.02, CI 95% = -0.14 to -0.06), and firm control (indirect effect B = 0.03, Boot SE = 0.01, CI 95% = 0.01 to 0.06).

The results suggest that the relation between parental personality traits and parenting behaviors is nuanced and involves underlying mechanisms related to parental satisfaction. These data further highlight the relation between personality traits and behaviors, and more specifically lend support to the growing research base concerning psychopathic traits in community samples. Future parenting interventions should incorporate thorough assessments of parental personality traits as well as devoting attention to how competent parents feel in their parenting abilities.