Caregiver-infant interactions

Start with the interactions

A useful starting point is the mind map Caregiver-Infant Interactions. It describes reciprocity as taking turns, as in a conversation, and introduces interactional synchrony as coordinated behavior. Use the map to distinguish these ideas before moving to a resource that asks you to recall them.

The flashcard deck Attachments: Introduction to Attachment also describes reciprocity in terms of caregivers and infants responding to each other's signals. Compare its wording with the mind map as you study.

Build the wider picture

The mind map First Relationships considers infants' need to form relationships as well as their physical needs. It provides a starting point for thinking about the relationship in which caregiver-infant interactions take place.

The mind map Caregiver-infant interactions includes bodily contact, mimicking, caregiverese and interactional synchrony. You can use these headings to organize the ideas you have encountered, then return to the map to check what each one covers.

Use maps, flashcards and quizzes together

After reading a map, explain reciprocity and interactional synchrony in your own words. The flashcard deck Topic 1 Attachment-caregiver-infant interactions includes questions about interactional synchrony and bodily contact. Use those prompts to practice recalling the terms without looking at the map.

The quiz Caregiver-infant interactions offers another way to practice. After taking it, return to the maps and flashcards to look again at any ideas you want to study further.

Connect the topic to the unit

Caregiver-infant interactions is a section of the Attachment unit in Psychology. The listed resources connect the topic to attachment through discussions of infant signals and caregiver responses. The page also includes maps that consider the strengths of filmed observation, giving you material for thinking about how interactions are studied.

Explore a map, then choose a flashcard deck or quiz for your next study session.