Mother-Infant Dyadic Neural Synchrony Measured Using EEG Hyperscanning and Validated Using Behavioral Measures

Greater parent-infant synchrony is associated with improved child outcomes. Behavioral measures of synchrony are still developing in young infants; thus, researchers need tools to quantify synchrony between parents and their young infants. We examined parent-infant neural synchrony measured using dual EEG hyperscanning and associations between neural synchrony, infant behavioral measures of synchrony, and maternal bondedness and depression.

Our prospective cohort study included mother-infant dyads at 2-4 months of age. We collected time-locked dual EEG recordings of mother and infant and simultaneous video-recordings during a scaffolded interaction where the mother sequentially layered sensory modalities to the interaction. Neural synchrony measured using EEG hyperscanning was analyzed using the circular correlation coefficient (CCorr), infant behavioral synchrony was measured using the validated Welch Emotional Connection Screen (WECS) scores, and maternal bondedness and depression were measured using standardized questionnaires.

Our study included n = 47 dyads. Dyadic CCorr increased across the interaction as the mother added tactile stimulation to visual stimulation. We also found associations between behavioral and neural measures of dyadic synchrony such that infants with higher scores on behavioral measures of emotional connection on the WECS showed greater increases in CCorr indicative of dyadic synchrony with their mother across this interaction. We found no associations between neural synchrony and maternal bondedness or depression.

These findings support the construct validity of mother-infant dyadic neural synchrony measured using EEG hyperscanning and analyzed using CCorr. Opportunities for future research on quantification of neural synchrony between parents and young infants abound.