Maternal sensitivity and the visual attentiveness of children who are deaf

Author(s): Spencer, P. E.

Journal/Book: Early Development Parenting. 1996; 5: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 213-223.

Abstract: Maternal sensitivity may be even more important for the development of deaf infants' social and cognitive competence than previous research has shown it to be for hearing children. We report ratings of mothers' sensitivity and infants' time in coordinated joint attention (CJA) during play interactions videotaped in a laboratory at 9, 12 and 18 months. Participants include 80 dyads in four groups: two matched for hearing status (Deaf or Hearing mothers with deaf or hearing babies), two unmatched for hearing status (Deaf mothers/hearing babies and Hearing mothers/deaf babies). Mothers in matched dyads were rated more sensitive than mothers in unmatched dyads. Deaf infants with Deaf mothers showed more time in CTA compared to infants in unmatched dyads. However, significant correlations of sensitivity and attention were found only for the two unmatched hearing status groups at 18 months. These results are discussed in terms of dyadic hearing status differences, intuitive parenting and developmental stage.

Note: Article MeadowOrlans KP, 8202 Kenfield CT, Bethesda,MD 20817 USA

Keyword(s): sensitivity; attention; deafness; hearing impairment; MOTHERS; INFANT; PRESCHOOLERS; COMPETENCE; ATTENTION

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