Individual differences in infant information processing: The role of temperamental and maternal factors

Author(s): Whitman, T. L., Borkowski, J. G., BraungartRieker, U., Mitchell, D. W.

Journal/Book: Infant Behav Develop. 1998; 21: 100 Prospect St, PO Box 811, Stamford, CT 06904-0811. Ablex Publ Corp. 119-136.

Abstract: Although not explicitly evaluated, assumptions have been made that individual differences in infant attention and information processing are of endogenous origin, and probably genetically based. To date, however, little attention has been focused on examining the antecedents and correlates of these processes, and the role that other infant characteristics and the social environment might play. The present study investigated the relationship between infant temperament, maternal behavior, and two commonly employed measures of infant attention (fixation duration and novelty preference) in 44 4-month old infants. Results suggested that both infant temperament and maternal factors were related to infant attentional performance. Most notably, the relative ''fit'' between maternal and infant characteristics appeared crucial, with highly responsive infants showing better attentional performance if parented by mothers who were less actively involved during toy play interactions.

Note: Article Miceli PJ, Univ Notre Dame, Dept Psychol, Notre Dame,IN 46556 USA

Keyword(s): temperament; parent-infant interaction; attention; information; processing; fixation duration; novelty preference; RECOGNITION MEMORY; VISUAL-ATTENTION; BEHAVIOR RECORD; HABITUATION; INTELLIGENCE; PERFORMANCE; PREDICTION; CONTINUITY; COMPETENCE; STABILITY

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