Title

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

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. Copyright © 1998 ABLEX Publishing Corporation.

Department(s)

Psychology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-6383(98)90058-3

Keywords

Attention, Fixation duration, Information processing, Novelty preference, Parent-infant interacation, Temperament

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Journal Title

Infant Behavior and Development

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