Observing sensitivity in slums in Yemen: the veiled challenge
Khadija Alsarhi1, Rahma1, Mariëlle Prevoo1
1Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Attachment & Human Development
|October 19, 2020
Summary
Maternal sensitivity in Yemen was observed, finding low average levels but significant variation. Higher education and social support correlated with increased sensitivity, while child chores linked to lower sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Parenting practices are influenced by cultural and socioeconomic factors.
- Observational studies of parenting in collectivist societies, particularly those with specific cultural norms like veiling, are limited.
- Understanding maternal sensitivity is crucial for child development outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first video observation of maternal parenting practices in Yemen.
- To assess maternal sensitivity in a socioeconomically deprived context.
- To explore factors associated with maternal sensitivity, including education, social support, and child chore involvement.
Main Methods:
- Video recording of 62 mother-child dyads (children aged 2-6 years) during 15-minute free interaction in their homes.
- Coding of maternal sensitivity using established observational methods, adapted for the context of veiling.
- Analysis of correlations between maternal sensitivity and demographic/contextual factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal veiling did not impede the assessment of sensitivity.
- Average maternal sensitivity levels were low, consistent with the deprived socioeconomic context, but 25% of mothers showed high sensitivity.
- Higher maternal education and social support were associated with greater sensitivity.
- Children performing household chores was linked to lower maternal sensitivity.
- Maternal awareness of being filmed or insecurity expressed did not correlate with observed sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Maternal sensitivity in Yemen is influenced by education and social support, despite a generally deprived context.
- Cultural practices like veiling do not inherently hinder the observation of sensitive parenting.
- The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions to support parenting in similar contexts.
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