A Structural Model of Mothers’ Authoritative Parenting Based on Attachment Styles: The Mediating Roles of Psychological Flexibility and Risk Aversion

Leila Hashemi; Hossein Baghooli; Maryam Kouroshnia

Authors

Leila Hashemi Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6410-6803
Hossein Baghooli Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Marv.C., Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3122-5088
Maryam Kouroshnia Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Marv.C., Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6694-6929

Keywords:

Authoritative parenting, attachment styles, psychological flexibility, risk aversion, mothers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a structural model of mothers’ authoritative parenting based on attachment styles, with psychological flexibility and risk aversion as mediating variables.

Methods and Materials: This correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all mothers of elementary school students in Shiraz, Iran. Based on Kline’s sample-size guideline, 250 mothers were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire developed by Robinson et al. (2001), the Adult Attachment Scale developed by Collins and Read (1990), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire developed by Bond et al. (2011), and Leahy’s Risk Aversion Scale (2012). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, structural equation modeling, path analysis, and bootstrap procedures.

Findings: The final structural model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the observed data. Secure attachment had significant direct and indirect relationships with authoritative parenting through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Avoidant attachment exerted a significant negative direct effect on authoritative parenting and also produced a significant negative indirect effect through risk aversion. Ambivalent attachment did not have a significant direct effect on authoritative parenting; however, it was indirectly associated with authoritative parenting through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Psychological flexibility was a significant positive predictor of authoritative parenting, whereas risk aversion was a significant negative predictor. The bootstrap results confirmed the significance of the proposed mediating pathways. Collectively, attachment styles, psychological flexibility, and risk aversion explained 40% of the variance in mothers’ authoritative parenting.

Conclusion: The findings supported the proposed theoretical model and indicated that attachment styles contribute to mothers’ authoritative parenting both directly and indirectly through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Enhancing psychological flexibility and reducing excessive risk aversion may diminish the adverse effects of insecure attachment patterns and promote more authoritative parent–child interactions.

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