Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
917509 Infant Behavior and Development 2009 12 Pages PDF
Abstract

This study examined development and stability in emerging patterns of co-regulation in mother–infant dyads (n = 101) over the later half of the first year of life. Links to infants’ attachment and developmental status were also examined. Co-regulated patterns of interactions demonstrated significant developmental shifts over time, with mother–infant dyads becoming increasingly more symmetrical and less unilateral in their interaction. Additionally, differences in co-regulation patterns at 6 months predicted subsequent attachment status at 12 months of age. Specifically, securely attached infants engaged in higher levels of symmetrical co-regulation with mothers at 6 months of age while insecurely attached infants engaged in more unilateral patterns of interactions. Furthermore, symmetrical co-regulation at 6 months was positively linked to infants’ mental development and psychomotor development at 9 months of age while asymmetrical and unilateral patterns of co-regulation at 6 months was negatively linked to infants’ mental development. Findings suggest an important antecedent role of early patterns of dyadic co-regulation to later developmental status and attachment organization.

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