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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Bowlby and many other developmental and family theorists
stressed that early socialization is a bi-directional, reciprocal, relationship-
based process between infant and caregiver (e.g., Brazelton, Koslowski,
& Main, 1974; Bronfenbrenner, & Morris, 1998; Harrist, & Waugh, 2002;
Bronfenbrenner, 2005). These first relational experiences affect infant development
and maternal sensitivity during the first year of life, remaining
the best single predictor of infant secure attachment across studies, despite
the relatively small effect sizes (e.g., Wolff and van IJzendoorn, 1997).
Therefore, we select a rural Portuguese community in Terceira (Azores Island)
to investigate the association between mother-infant quality of interaction
and infant development, and to identify the determinants of mother-
infant quality of interaction. The sample included 86 healthy infants
(each of 46 girls, 48 first born) and their mothers. At 11 months, infant
development was assessed with Schedule of Growing Skills II (SGS II). To
assess mother-infant quality of interaction, the dyads were observed in
free play at 12 months using the Crittenden CARE-Index. Maternal sensitivity
and infant cooperative behavior were correlated with SGS II global
scores and sub-scales (except for Locomotor and Self-care Social). Infant
interactive behavior, gestational age and milk feeding predicted maternal
sensitivity. Infant cooperative behavior was determined by their number of
siblings and mother interactive behavior. This study novelty remains in the
fact that parents’ choice to feed their infant with bottle milk (cow´s milk) against medical advice predicted maternal sensitivity. This research presents
individual, social and cultural explanations for mother-infant quality
of interaction and suggest that early intervention practices may rely on
systemic approaches and professionals should attempt to understand families’
traditions and their specific culture.
Description
Keywords
Infant development Maternal sensitivity Infant cooperation Early intervention
Citation
Publisher
CIED (Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudos Educacionais) Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa