Infant Communicative Behaviors and Maternal Responsiveness

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2014

Abstract

Background: This study applies attachment and transactional theories in evaluating the dyadic interactions observed between a mother and her infant. Infant communication and maternal responsivity are highlighted as the medium for positive interaction. Objective: The impact of individualized maternal training on mother infant communicative interaction is proposed to be positive. Methods: A sample of three mothers and their infants were observed during 10 min free play sessions before and after a training intervention. The focus of the training was the principles of parenting contained in the Right-from-Birth: a Parenting Series (Grace and Lindsey in Right from birth: a parenting series guide for facilitators, Educational Broadcasting and Early Childhood Institute, Mississippi, 2003) training. A multiple baseline design was used to measure maternal responsiveness to infant communication. Positive and negative maternal responses, as well as the rate of infant communication were also measured.Results: Results showed an increase in positive maternal responses, a decrease in negative maternal responses as well as an increase in the rate of infant communication.Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of training on correct interpretation of and appropriate maternal responses to infant's communicative cues, in order to encourage positive mother-infant interactions. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Child and Youth Care Forum

First Page

195

Last Page

209

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