Familial allomaternal care exposure is predictive of infant development

Bibliographic Data

ID19458707
AuthorsB Singletary (0000-0002-1931-1138, School of Anthropology University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume33
Issue3
Pagese23498-e23498
Publication date2021-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Human Biology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1042-0533 • E-ISSN: 1520-6300
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajhb.23498
PMID32876384
OpenAlexW3081531581
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited13

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses whether increased exposure to allomaternal care (AMC, or non-maternal care) is associated with improved infant motor and social milestone attainment. METHODS: Typically developing infants aged 13-18 months (n = 102) were assessed by their mothers using the previously validated National Center for Health Statistics' Motor and Social Development Scale (MSD). AMC exposure from birth to present was quantified using four AMC predictor components. RESULTS: Exposure to Highly Involved Familial AMC has a significant medium effect on MSD score, such that infants experiencing more of this type of care score higher. CONCLUSIONS: Familial AMC is associated with improved milestone attainment, suggesting that learning experiences are enhanced by these interactions, although further cross-cultural studies are needed. If future studies confirm the positive effects of AMC interactions on early developmental outcomes, this may help explain the selective pressures for extensive AMC

Developmental psychology · Educational attainment · Infant development · Milestone · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Clinical Psychology · Family and Disability Support Research · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Medicine · Psychology

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