Emotional Regulation in Families
Importance of Self-Esteem for the Parental Couple: Testing for Actor and Partner Effects
Nahema El Ghaziri,
Joëlle Darwiche, Jean-Philippe Antonietti, Ulrich Orth,
Corresponding Author
Nahema El Ghaziri
University of Lausanne
Université de Lausanne, Institut de psychologie, Bâtiment Geopolis, CH-1015 Lausanne ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorNahema El Ghaziri,
Joëlle Darwiche, Jean-Philippe Antonietti, Ulrich Orth,
Corresponding Author
Nahema El Ghaziri
University of Lausanne
Université de Lausanne, Institut de psychologie, Bâtiment Geopolis, CH-1015 Lausanne ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Objective
This study investigated the actor and partner effects of self-esteem on the quality of the parental couple relationships: the romantic relationship and the coparental relationship. The mediating role of romantic quality also was considered.
Background
Previous findings suggest that self-esteem affects the quality of the romantic relationship. Yet few studies have focused on self-esteem in the parental couple or explored self-esteem related to the coparental relationship, both of which play a significant role in the nature of the family unit.
Method
Using data from two independent samples (including 2,549 couples), actor–partner interdependence models were tested to analyze the effects of self-esteem on both relationships of the parental couple.
Results
Parents with high self-esteem reported higher romantic quality, as did their partner. Self-esteem also showed actor and partner effects on negative coparenting. Accordingly, parents with high self-esteem reported fewer conflicts about the child and fewer undermining behaviors. In contrast, the link between self-esteem and positive coparenting received little support. However, when mothers had high self-esteem, they engaged more frequently in positive coparental behaviors, such as including the father. Finally, romantic relationship quality mediated the actor and partner effects of self-esteem on negative coparenting.
Conclusion
Having high self-esteem appears to be a couple resource with beneficial effects for both parents.
Implications
Improving parents' self-esteem could be an important gateway for enhancing the functioning of families with romantic and coparental difficulties.
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