Further evidence for the multidimensional nature of maternal sensitivity: differential links with child socioemotional functioning at preschool age

This report investigated the predictive value of three dimensions of sensitivity during mother –infant interactions in an effort to gain greater understanding of how specific facets of sensitivity relate to child socioemotional outcomes. Maternal cooperation/attunement (accurate interpretation of infant cues and capacity to adjust the interaction correspondingly), positivity (positive attit ude toward the infant), and accessibility/availability (consistent attentiveness) were assessed observationally in 195 mothers of 1‐year‐old infants. Child socioemotional functioning was assessed using behavioral tasks and maternal and teacher reports when children were 4 years of age. The resu lts revealed that maternal accessibility/availability was predictive of less externalizing behavior, more prosocial behavior (mother‐ and teacher‐reported), and better theory of mind, while maternal positivity predicted effortful control. These results highlight the advantages of a multidimensio nal assessment in understanding how sensitivity predicts different developmental outcomes.
Source: Infancy - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: BRIEF REPORT Source Type: research