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Nighttime maternal responsiveness and infant attachment at one year
Elizabeth Higley1, Mary Dozier
1Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
Attachment & Human Development
|July 16, 2009
Summary
Mothers" nighttime interactions, specifically consistent, sensitive, and responsive soothing, are linked to secure infant attachment at 12 months. Responsive caregiving during nighttime awakenings fosters stronger mother-infant bonds.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Behavior
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Mother-infant attachment is crucial for development.
- Nighttime interactions represent a significant aspect of the caregiving environment.
- Understanding factors influencing attachment security is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mother-infant nighttime interactions and attachment security at 12 months.
- To identify specific nighttime interaction patterns associated with secure versus insecure attachment.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 44 mother-infant pairs over three nights using digital video.
- Mothers completed self-report diaries on nighttime interactions and child temperament questionnaires.
- Infant attachment security assessed using the Strange Situation procedure.
Main Results:
- Mothers of securely attached infants exhibited more consistent, sensitive, and responsive nighttime interactions.
- Specifically, mothers in secure dyads were more likely to pick up and soothe infants after awakenings.
- No specific mention of temperament's role in the provided abstract.
Conclusions:
- Consistent, sensitive, and responsive nighttime interactions are associated with secure mother-infant attachment.
- Responsive soothing during nighttime awakenings may promote secure attachment.
- These findings highlight the importance of nighttime caregiving in early attachment formation.
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