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Maternal Differentiation of Self and Toddlers’ Sleep: The Mediating Role of Nighttime Involvement

Author

Listed:
  • Tamar Simon

    (Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel)

  • Anat Scher

    (Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel)

Abstract

Good sleep is essential for optimal development and adaptive functioning. Hence, identifying the factors that shape sleep quality is important. Based on the transactional model of sleep development and drawing on Bowen’s concept of differentiation of self (DoS), the present study examined the interrelations between sleep-related parental behavior, child’s sleep quality, and mothers’ DoS. A community sample of 130 mothers of 24- to 36-month-old children completed the DoS instrument and sleep questionnaires. Lower maternal DoS levels were associated with higher parental sleep-related involvement, both at bedtime and through the course of the night. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a path analysis model indicates that maternal sleep-related involvement functions as a mediator through which the differentiation of self is related to the sleep characteristics of toddlers. As the links between parenting practices and child sleep reflect bi-directional associations, the conclusion that can be drawn from the present data is that relational aspects, such as those defined and measured by the construct of DoS, contribute to sleep–wake regulation beyond infancy. The data suggest that this construct should be considered in intervention research.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamar Simon & Anat Scher, 2023. "Maternal Differentiation of Self and Toddlers’ Sleep: The Mediating Role of Nighttime Involvement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1714-:d:1039059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simona De Stasio & Francesca Boldrini & Benedetta Ragni & Simonetta Gentile, 2020. "Predictive Factors of Toddlers’ Sleep and Parental Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Benedetta Ragni & Simona De Stasio, 2020. "Parental Involvement in Children’s Sleep Care and Nocturnal Awakenings in Infants and Toddlers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.
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    1. Benedetta Ragni & Simona De Stasio, 2020. "Parental Involvement in Children’s Sleep Care and Nocturnal Awakenings in Infants and Toddlers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.

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