- •Approaching an objective system for observation and measurement: infant-parent social interaction...
- •S. M. Baird, l. Haas
- •Results and Discussion
- •Conclusion
- •Table 1. Description of Subjects
- •Is defined as an active and interaction pertinent to
- •Figure 1. Infant-parent social interaction coding form.
- •References
- •Isabella, r.A., Belsky, j., & von Eye, a. (1989). Origins of infant-mother attachment: An examination of interactional synchrony during the infant's first year. Developmental Psychology, 25, 12-21.
Conclusion
Normative information regarding the developmental nature of infant-parent interaction remains incomplete. The impact of differing degrees of risk for developmental delay and cultural differences on the infant-parent interaction process is also unclear. As this information becomes available to serve as a frame of reference, infant-parent interaction can be incorporated into Individualized Family Service Plans more readily. The availability of objective interaction assessments will facilitate the process. Future research may reveal infant-parent interaction elements, or subtypes of current elements, that alter or redirect interaction assessment and intervention models. At this time, the IPSIC appears to be a reasonable instrument for the assessment of infant-parent social interaction and can assist professionals as they cautiously develop intervention programs.
Table 1. Description of Subjects
Variables Frequency Percentage of
Sample
Infant adjusted age
Birth-3 months 37 23.3
3-6 months 70 44.0
6-9 months 23 14.5
9-12 months 9 5.7
12-18 months 13 8.2
18-24 months 3 1.9
24 + months 4 2.5
Infant birth order
First born 83 52.2
Later born 76 47.8
Infant gender
Male 83 52.2
Female 76 47.8
Infant status
Normal 81 50.9
Environmental risk 16 10.1
Biological risk 36 22.6
Established risk 26 16.4
Ethnic Status
Anglo-American 91 57.2
African-American 66 41.5
Other 2 1.3
Maternal age
13-17 years 19 11.9
18-21 years 19 11.9
22-25 years 30 18.5
26-29 years 39 24.5
30-33 years 29 18.2
34-37 years 15 9.4
38 + years 8 5.1
Maternal education
Elementary 2 1.3
1-3 years high school 29 18.2
High school 40 25.2
1-3 years college 39 24.5
4 years college 44 27.7
5 or more years college 5 3.1
Maternal marital status
Never married 32 20.1
Living with significant other 8 5.0
Married and Living together 112 70.4
Separated 5 3.1
Divorced 2 1.3
Table 2. Infant-Parent Social Interaction Code Definitions
Construct Rationale for inclusion
Dyadic Social Interaction
Although definitions of social
behavior and interaction were
relatively accessible,
Definition: Social interaction definition of social