What approaches do fathers use to promote emotion socialisation in their children?

Minks, Adrian Robert (2017). What approaches do fathers use to promote emotion socialisation in their children? University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

Despite the growing evidence of the significant role of fathers in the emotion socialisation (ES) process, their ‘voice’ is scarce within the literature, leading to a dominant discourse surrounding maternal ES practices. ES occurs directly and indirectly with significant ‘scaffolding’ provided by parents, therefore emotion management is heavily socialised. Two ES practices aid or restrict children’s emotional self-regulation. Emotion coaching (EC) parents tend to use expression of emotion as opportunities for learning and development. Emotion dismissing (ED) parents are uncomfortable with negative emotions, so may dismiss, or use punitive responses. Fathers are thought to be shaped by socio-cultural norms and gender biases, therefore emotions may be socialised differentially, according to child gender and the type of emotion being displayed.
An exploratory study of five fathers from a local authority in the East of England involved them responding to resource measures employing a combination of spoken and film scenarios reflecting negative emotions of sadness or anger in children. Transcribed data indicated that a number of positive ES approaches were being used.
Future large-scale research with fathers from a broad demographic would strengthen the knowledge-base, perhaps also including partner and child opinions. There is a view that research regarding children’s emotional development should be considered incomplete, if data from fathers is not included.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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