Are emotionally competent adults emotionally available parents? Examination of theoretical and empirical relationships in a video‐recorded parent–child interaction clinical preschool‐aged sample.

Müller, J. M.; Hoppermann, S.; Elvert, C.; Janssen, M.

Abstract

Objective: Emotional competence (EC) describes one's general ability to perceive, express, process, and regulate their own emotions as well as those of others. In the clinical context of parent–child interactions, the specific ability to perceive, express and regulate a child's emotions is conceptually covered by the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS). We aim to examine theoretical and empirical overlaps between EC (Rindermann) and emotional availability (EA; Biringen) for theoretical, diagnostic, and therapeutic reasons. Methods: Parents of a clinically referred sample of preschool‐aged children (55 dyads) filled out a self‐report questionnaire (ECQ), and certified and blinded raters applied the EAS via observations. In a novel approach, the EC was additionally estimated with independent ratings made by two further observers. All dyads were coded on10‐min video‐recorded parent–child interactions during free play