Are emotionally competent adults emotionally available parents? Examination of theoretical and empirical relationships in a video‐recorded parent–child interaction clinical preschool‐aged sample

Abstract

Objective Emotional competence (EC) describes one's general ability to perceive, express, process, and regulate their own emotions as well as those of others. In the clinical context of parent–child interactions, the specific ability to perceive, express and regulate a child's emotions is conceptually covered by the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS). We aim to examine theoretical and empirical overlaps between EC (Rindermann) and emotional availability (EA; Biringen) for theoretical, diagnostic, and therapeutic reasons. Methods Parents of a clinically referred sample of preschool‐aged children (55 dyads) filled out a self‐report questionnaire (ECQ), and certified and blinded raters applied the EAS via observations. In a novel approach, the EC was additionally estimated with independent ratings made by two further observers. All dyads were coded on 10‐min video‐recorded parent–child interactions during free play. Results In bivariate and multivariate analyses, EC scores from observational ratings were strongly associated with independently rated clinical emotional availability scores. EC scores from self‐reports were moderately associated with emotional availability scores. A post hoc power analysis estimated β error probabilities. Conclusions EC may represent an important personal precondition to an emotionally available parent. As such, we discuss implications for early risk factor assessments for child development and highlight new prevention approaches, new diagnostic options, and refined treatment goals. Limitations included the sample size, assessment, and the influence of study design on results.