MEASUREMENT OF A STRANGER'S INFLUENCE ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH THEIR MOTHERS

Abstract
Seventeen normal pre-school children were observed with their mothers in an experimental setting. Various measurements of their behavior were made by 2 observers through a 1-way screen. There were 2 20-min sessions in 1 of which the mother was interviewed by a stranger. Mothers subsequently completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory [EPI], Form A. Items of behavior which were associated with the presence of a stranger were: remaining longer than 15 min. in a circle drawn around the mother, displacement activities and not speaking for the first 5 min. of the session. Proximity to mother in the presence of the interviewer was related to an NA score of 8 or over on the EPI.