Coparenting in the Context of Mother–Father–Infant versus Mother–Grandmother–Infant Triangular Interactions in Turkey

Abstract

In this report, coparenting behaviors during triangular interactions among families raising a 3-month-old infant in Turkey are examined. Given the significant role played by extended family members in Turkish culture, coparenting dynamics were examined as mothers and babies played together with grandmothers, as well as together with fathers. Forty-five families took part, and 42 father-mother-baby and 33 grandmother-mother-baby triangular interactions of approximately 10 min in length were filmed during the Lausanne Trilogue Play. From videotapes of the interactions, individual and mutual coparenting behaviors were evaluated using the Coparenting and Family Rating System: 3 Month Adaptation (CFRS3M). Results indicated that while mothers' own parenting behavior when in the LTP role of Active Parent (AP) was comparable whether with fathers or grandmothers, their behavior when in the LTP role of third party parent (TPP) was comparatively more engaged while with fathers than while with grandmothers. Fathers were comparatively less engaged when occupying the TPP role than were mothers in the TPP role, while grandmothers showed more flirting and distracting behavior in the TPP role than did either fathers or mothers. These findings are significant in documenting meaningful distinctions in Turkish grandmothers' as well as in Turkish fathers' and mothers' coparenting propensities when engaging in triangular interactions with babies during the LTP.

Experiences of intergenerational co‐parenting during the postpartum period in modern China: A qualitative exploratory study

“…The involvement of grandparents in infant care and intergenerational co‐parenting interactions is influenced by culture (Jappens & Van Bavel, 2012). In the United States (U.S.), studies on intergenerational co‐parenting have focused on families with special needs, such as mothers who were teenagers, divorced, substance abusers or incarcerated (Li & Liu, 2019; Salman‐Engin et al, 2018). For instance, one study in the U.S. reported that it was common for adolescent parents in African and Latino American families to live with their own parents for financial and material assistance and to receive parenting support from them (Poblete & Gee, 2018).…”

“…The involvement of grandparents in infant care and intergenerational co-parenting interactions is influenced by culture (Jappens & Van Bavel, 2012). In the United States (U.S.), studies on intergenerational co-parenting have focused on families with special needs, such as mothers who were teenagers, divorced, substance abusers or incarcerated (Li & Liu, 2019;Salman-Engin et al, 2018).…”

The Predictors of Gifted Students’ Resilience: Self Esteem, Peer Relationship and Parental Attidutes

“…Turkish family culture from the geographical location of Turkey bears traces of both east and west cultures. In more traditional families, the emphasis and mutual commitment to the family point to the socialist structure of Turkish culture (Salman-Engin et al, 2018). Accordingly, as a result of the research, the acceptance/involvement received from parents was the strongest variable that predicted the psychological resilience of gifted students and alone explained 31% of the total variance.…”

Life quality of 9-11 year-old children: Family functionality and demographic variables

“…Also grandmothers and grandfathers have an important place in the relationships within the family in Turkey. Despite this fact, only one study has been conducted in this context (Salman-Engin, Sümer, Sağel & McHale, 2018). While investigating the effect of family on children's quality of life, it might be useful with the cultural characteristics of Turkey to look at it from the extended family perspective.…”

“…Türkiye'de aile içi ilişkiler söz konusu olduğunda annane/babaanne ve dedeler de önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Buna rağmen bu kapsamda yapılmış bir tane araştırmaya (Salman-Engin, Sümer, Sağel & McHale, 2018) rastlanmıştır. İleride yapılacak araştırmalarda çocukların yaşam kalitesi düzeyinde aile etkisi araştırılırken, geniş aile perspektifinden bakmak Türkiye'nin kültürel özellikleri açısından yararlı olabilir.…”