The effect of emotion socialization on positive and negative qualities towards self and others: The roles of mindfulness and gratitude — ASN Events
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The effect of emotion socialization on positive and negative qualities towards self and others: The roles of mindfulness and gratitude (#230)

Sarah E Moran 1 , Jena Michel 1 , Meghan Goyer 1 , Emily Tan 1 , Laura G McKee 1
  1. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GEORGIA, United States

Background

Cultivating positive emotional states (joy, compassion) towards oneself and others have been associated with greater well-being, while negative or self-critical states have been associated with psychopathology (Houben et al., 2015). Investigating predictors of positive and negative emotions towards oneself and others may inform interventions that promote positive states. One potential predictor that begins early in life is emotion socialization (ES) or caregiver responses (supportive, unsupportive) to child expression of positive and negative emotions. In addition, investigating variables (gratitude, mindfulness) that may explain the relationships among these constructs is warranted.

Aims

Aims of the present study include investigating (1) direct associations among recalled unsupportive and supportive ES and positive and negative qualities toward self and others and (2) indirect effects of recalled caregiver ES on positive and negative qualities toward self and others through mindfulness and gratitude.

Method

Participants (N=256; 76% female; Mage=19.85; 8.2% Latino, 75.8% White, 3.1% Black, 10.6% East Asian, 5.1% South Asian, 4.7% Other) were enrolled in higher education and recruited from a metropolitan area in the United States. Participants self-reported recalled ES responses (Emotions as a Child Scales), mindful acceptance and non-judgment (Carolina Empirically Derived Mindfulness Inventory), gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), and positive and negative qualities toward self and others (Self-Other Four Immeasurables Scales) in 2017.

Results

 In a good-fitting structural equation model, supportive ES was positively associated with positive qualities towards self, and unsupportive ES was positively associated with negative qualities towards self and others. A second model assessing indirect effects of gratitude and mindfulness, revealed significant indirect effects from unsupportive ES (1) to positive and (2) negative qualities towards self through mindful non-judgment and acceptance and (3) to negative qualities towards others through mindful non-judgment. Gratitude mediated the effect between supportive ES and positive qualities towards self and others and negative qualities towards others.

Conclusion

These findings may inform parenting and mindfulness interventions to promote positive states.

  1. Houben, M., Van Den Noortgate, W., & Kuppens, P. (2015). The relation between short-term emotion dynamics and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Psychological bulletin, 141(4), 901.
  • Please select up to 3 keywords from the following list to best describe your submission content: Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive emotions
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