Indirect Effects of Maternal Sensitivity on Infant Emotion Regulation Behaviors: The Role of Vagal Withdrawal. (14th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perry, Nicole B.; Calkins, Susan D.; Bell, Martha Ann
• Is Part Of: Infancy. Volume 21:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2015-08-14
• Subjects: Infant psychology -- Periodicals; Infants -- Development -- Periodicals; Infants -- Periodicals; 155.42205
• DOI: 10.1111/infa.12101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1525-0008

Abstract

Abstract : The potential indirect effect of observed maternal sensitivity at 5 months on the development of infants' behavioral regulation of emotion from 5 to 10 months (i.e., distraction and maternal‐orientation behaviors) via infant's vagal withdrawal was investigated ( N = 230). Results indicated that maternal sensitivity at 5 months was not directly associated with behavioral regulation at 10 months. However, greater maternal sensitivity at 5 months was associated with greater vagal withdrawal at 10 months, after controlling for vagal withdrawal at 5 months. Further, vagal withdrawal at 10 months was associated with greater orientation toward the mother at 10 months, after controlling for 5‐month orientation behaviors. The indirect effect of maternal sensitivity on maternal‐orientation behaviors was significant, suggesting that infant's vagal withdrawal may be one potential mechanism through which maternal sensitivity is related to behavioral regulation.