Infant Communicative Behaviors and Maternal Responsiveness

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. The impact of individualized maternal training on mother infant communicative interaction is proposed to be positive. 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 showed an increase in positive maternal responses, a decrease in negative maternal responses as well as an increase in the rate of infant communication. 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.