Co‐regulation, relationship quality, and infant distress vocalizations observed during mother‐infant interactions

Influences of maternal depression and different contexts

Bibliographic Data

ID16782871
AuthorsElizabeth L Leong (0000-0001-5754-092X, Concordia University, corresponding author), Dale M Stack (0000-0002-0598-4059, Concordia University), Olivia K Lazimbat (Concordia University), Samantha Bouchard (Concordia University), Tiffany Field (0000-0001-7186-7048, University of Miami), Tiffany M Field
Year2024
Volume29
Issue6
Pages933-957
Publication date2024-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInfancy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1525-0008 • E-ISSN: 1532-7078
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/infa.12617
PMID39024126
OpenAlexW4400772544
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited58

Mother‐infant interactions are co‐regulated and provide the foundation for mother‐infant relationship quality. The implications of maternal depression and contextual demands (i.e., reinstating the interaction following maternal unavailability and vocalized infant distress) on observationally coded co‐regulation in mother‐infant dyads ( n = 40) at 4‐months was investigated. Associations among co‐regulation patterns and mother‐infant relationship quality was also examined. Dyads participated in Still‐Face (SF) and Separation (SP) procedures, with periods of maternal emotional and physical unavailability. Co‐regulation was captured using the Revised Relational Coding System. Relationship quality was examined using the Emotional Availability Scales. Dyads in the depressed group had significantly more unilateral exchanges than the non‐depressed group following the SF and SP perturbations. The depressed group also had significantly more distress vocalizations during the SP perturbation than the non‐depressed group. Co‐regulation in the depressed group was less disrupted by the SF perturbation. Positive relationship quality dimensions (maternal sensitivity, structuring, and infant responsiveness) were associated with more symmetrical and less unilateral co‐regulation regardless of the interaction period. There were also context‐specific results pertaining to patterns of co‐regulation and associated maternal hostility and infant responsiveness. Results highlight co‐regulatory differences in depressed mothers and their infants and how these differences are exacerbated by contextual demands

Developmental psychology · Distress · Hostility · Maternal sensitivity · Postpartum depression · Pregnancy · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Infant Health and Development · Psychology