Mentor: Elizabeth Kiel, Ph.D.

This study investigates the complex pathways through which parental cognitions and behaviors influence the development of childhood anxiety and physiological stress regulation. Utilizing data from a longitudinal study of 156 mother-child dyads, the research examined whether maternal attributions for shyness and attitudes toward protective parenting predict family accommodation, and subsequently, child anxiety outcomes. Anxiety outcomes were measured through a multi-method approach, including child self-reports, maternal reports, and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) suppression during a social stress task.

Results indicated that while maternal cognitions regarding shyness and overprotection were significant predictors of child RSA outcomes, the hypothesized mediational role of family accommodation was not supported. Specifically, when accounting for environmental covariates such as household income and maternal education, the direct links between parental cognition and accommodation weakened. These findings suggest that the relationship between parenting and child physiological regulation is likely influenced by broader ecological factors beyond specific maternal beliefs. The study highlights RSA as a valuable biomarker for anxiety and underscores the need for multi-method assessments in understanding the family’s role in child emotional development.

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