The role of the father in children’s emotional comprehension: Parenting styles and emotion socialization practices of negative emotions

Abstract

Parents are central figures in children’s emotional development during the first years of life. The core literature has focused mainly on the role that mothers have on children’s emotional comprehension (EC), yet new evidence supports the notion that fathers practices may also play a role in this domain. The present study analysed the effects of father’s parenting styles and socialization practices of negative emotions on children’s EC, using a sample of 75 fathers and their Portuguese preschool age children. Fathers reported on their parenting styles and practices using the PSDQ and the CCNES questionnaires. Children’s EC was analysed with the TEC. Negative associations were found between children’s EC and father’s permissive style and distress reactions. A positive association between EC and child’s age was also found. Results were discussed in terms of father’s parenting styles and practices characteristics and their potential impact on children’s emotional comprehension.