Abstract
This prospective longitudinal study examines emotional relationships in 58 Appalachian mother–child dyads observed at home
at 5 and 20 months. Between infancy and toddlerhood, 3 of 4 dimensions of dyadic emotional relationships were stable, and
three remained continuous in their mean level. Increasing maternal age was associated with greater maternal sensitivity and
structuring and with more responsive and involving children. Marital status and father presence in the home as well as maternal
openness, parenting knowledge, investment, and satisfaction accounted for effects of maternal age on dyadic emotional relationships.
This longitudinal process analysis provides unique insights into temporal dynamics of mother–child emotional relationships
and their determinants in an underserved and underresearched US community. Implications for community-specific interventions
are discussed.
at 5 and 20 months. Between infancy and toddlerhood, 3 of 4 dimensions of dyadic emotional relationships were stable, and
three remained continuous in their mean level. Increasing maternal age was associated with greater maternal sensitivity and
structuring and with more responsive and involving children. Marital status and father presence in the home as well as maternal
openness, parenting knowledge, investment, and satisfaction accounted for effects of maternal age on dyadic emotional relationships.
This longitudinal process analysis provides unique insights into temporal dynamics of mother–child emotional relationships
and their determinants in an underserved and underresearched US community. Implications for community-specific interventions
are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-011-9479-1
- Authors
- Marc H. Bornstein, Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Rockledge 1, Suite 8030, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7971, Bethesda, MD 20892-7971, USA
- Diane L. Putnick, Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Rockledge 1, Suite 8030, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7971, Bethesda, MD 20892-7971, USA
- Joan T. D. Suwalsky, Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Rockledge 1, Suite 8030, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7971, Bethesda, MD 20892-7971, USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562