Patterns of Rhythmic Stimulation by Mothers with Three-Month-Olds: A Cross-Modal Comparison

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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the nature of the temporally patterned stimulation provided spontaneously by parents to their infants. This study provides microanalytic descriptions of the temporally patterned non-vocal behaviours used by 17 mothers during brief, videotaped interactions with their 3-month-olds. Results indicated significant effects of type of maternal behaviour and infant attention on 'tempo of rhythmic behaviours; one detailed example illustrates the dynamics of interactions within an individual dyad. It is asserted that the aspects of non-vocal communication investigated here are part of a repertoire of intuitive parental behaviours which support the infant's early integrative competence and adaptation to the social world.