Maternal behaviors associated with smothering: a preliminary descriptive study

To describe maternal behavior in 15 women identified as having smothered their children.

A descriptive study of maternal behavior and interaction with her child, using videotapes of mother and child together. These were obtained by covert video surveillance in a hospital setting. Maternal behavior was rated using an assessment schedule designed to be used with video.

The mothers showed a range of behaviors. Three groups emerged; one whose interaction with the child resembled normal maternal behavior, a second who interacted in a hostile way, and a third who showed a paucity of interaction.

These preliminary data suggest that smothering may reflect more than one type of abnormal maternal relationship or attitude towards children. This may have implications for treatment and prognosis.