The role of higher -order cognition in parental reflective functioning: A correlational study of executive and reflective capacities and the related contributions of substance abuse and depression.
Item
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Title
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The role of higher -order cognition in parental reflective functioning: A correlational study of executive and reflective capacities and the related contributions of substance abuse and depression.
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Identifier
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AAI3296958
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identifier
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3296958
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Creator
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Capstick, Carrie C.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Arietta Slade
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Date
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2008
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical | Psychology, Developmental | Psychology, Cognitive
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Abstract
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The purpose of the study was to examine the association between parental reflective function (RF) and executive cognitive function (ECF) in a sample of 29 urban mothers. Higher ECF scores, as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sort Test and Stroop Color-Word Test, were hypothesized to be correlated with parental RF, as assessed by the Parent Development Interview. The effects of depression and substance dependence were further examined, with the expectation that the presence of one or both of these conditions would be associated with worse reflective and executive abilities. The hypotheses were not supported by the data. Participants demonstrated average ECF scores despite below-average RF abilities. Lifetime histories of depression and substance dependence were not linked to worse RF or ECF when compared to controls. One significant finding indicated that mothers in remission from a former depressive episode had higher RF than mothers without a history of depression. The finding that mothers with poor RF have intact capacity for abstraction, cognitive flexibility and other ECF abilities is discussed as a strength that may be used in treatment to bolster reflective abilities and other skills required for sensitive and effective parenting.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
