Abstract (eng)
The aim of the present study was to compare reflective functioning abilities between mothers and caregivers. The study was carried out within the „Parenting & Co Parenting“ project at the University of Vienna. Participants were 58 children and their mothers and caregivers who were visited at home. Attachment quality was assessed using the AQS-G (Ahnert et al., 2012) and reflective functioning was evaluated using the Parent Development Interview (Aber et al., 1985; Slade et al., 2004). It was found that mothers showed higher overall reflective abilities than caregivers. In addition, mothers showed higher reflective capacities toward their relationship with their child, than did caregivers. However, no differences could be found regarding the complexity of their reflective abilities. These results are discussed within the framework of an evolutionary- biological perspective. Possible influences on reflective functioning are explored. No link could be found between the reflective abilities of mothers and caregivers and the child’s age, group size, hours of non-maternal care and hours spent with the caregiver. Caregivers who showed higher reflective abilities were younger, had less work experience and had younger children. It is concluded that mechanisms involved in reflective abilities are different for mothers and caregivers. No significant correlations could be found between global attachment security and reflective functioning scores of mothers or caregivers. However, specific aspects of attachment were related to reflective capacities.