caregiver-infant interaction

caregiver-infant interaction

1. reciprocity

   • each person responds to the other and elicits a response from them
   • baby has an active role in this interaction instead of the passive role they usually have
   • close attention to each other's verbal signals and facial expressions
   • sort of like a dance or a conversation
   • AO3
     • if guardians arent active enough participants in reciprocity then the child can get upset
       • may also attempt to get the guardian back into it - they are both active participants

2. interactional synchrony

   • same actions in unison
   • guardian and childs actions and emotions mirror each other
   • AO3
     • (1977) observed the beginnings of interactional synchrony in infants as young as 2 weeks old
       • adult displayed 1 of 3 facial expressions or gestures - child's response was filmed and identified by independent observers
         • connections were found between the action the adult had displayed and the action of the babies
     • (1989) observed 30 caregivers and infants together and assessed the degree of synchrony
       • also assessed the quality of guardian-infant attachment
         • Findings: high levels of synchrony were associated with better quality guardian-infant attachment
   • important for the development of guardian-infant attachment

3. sensitive responsiveness

   • if infant-caregiver interaction is to be enjoyable and successful, the adult has to be highly sensitive of the child's behaviour and needs
   • ainsworth believes its fundamental to the development of successful attachments
     • ainsworth says it includes:
       • alertness to infant signals
       • promptness of response
       • appropriateness of response