Caregiver infant interactions

What is attachment?

A two-way, enduring emotional bond between infant and caregiver, shown by distress on separation and built through interaction.

What is interactional synchrony?

When the infant and caregiver mirror each other’s actions and emotions in a coordinated way.

What is reciprocity?

A two-way interaction where infant and caregiver respond to and initiate communication with each other.

What is direct imitation in caregiver–infant interaction?

When the infant copies the caregiver’s behaviour exactly (e.g. smiling).

What is sensitive responsiveness?

When the caregiver accurately interprets and responds appropriately to infant signals (e.g. feeding when hungry).

What is caregiverese?

A high-pitched, slow, sing-song voice used by adults when communicating with infants.

Why is bodily contact important?

Physical (skin-to-skin) contact, especially early in life, helps strengthen bonding.

What did Meltzoff and Moore find?

Infants (12–21 days) imitated facial and manual gestures → suggests imitation is innate and supports attachment formation.

What did Papoušek et al. find?

Caregiverese is universal across cultures → suggests interaction behaviours may be innate.

Why are modern studies of caregiver–infant interaction reliable?

Use of multiple observers + video recording → improves inter-rater reliability and accuracy.

Why is studying infants problematic?

Infants cannot report thoughts, so researchers rely on inference, reducing scientific validity.

What is observer bias in these studies?

Researchers may interpret behaviour subjectively, influenced by expectations.

Why can’t we assume infants imitate intentionally?

Behaviour may be automatic/unconscious, not deliberate → limits conclusions.

Why is this research socially sensitive?

Findings may make parents feel judged or guilty about caregiving choices (e.g. returning to work).