This study investigated the relationship between marital satisfaction and time spent bed sharing with infants in a community sample of 81 bed sharing mothers. Time spent bed sharing did not significantly predict variance in marital satisfaction when considering bed sharers as a whole. Moderation analysis, however, showed the interaction between…

The present study examined whether fathers' additive risk and resilience when the child is an infant and age 5 predicted paternal engagement with children at age 5. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study (N = 4,898), we found that the results confirmed the hypothesis that early risk has a negative effect and early…

Examined mothers' feelings about combining motherhood, employment, and child care during their firstborns' infancy and quality of mother-infant interactions. From analysis of interviews, questionnaires, and observations involving 37 mothers, developed typology of 4 categories of mothers (Enamored, Managers, Distressed, Disengaged). Found complex…

Explores factors that influence the usefulness of individualized temperament materials for parents of infants. Most parents found the materials useful. Global perception of temperamental difficultness and educational level were associated with usefulness; usefulness was not associated with parity. Results suggest that temperament guidance…

Videotaped play segments between 15 4-month-old infants with their adolescent mothers and then with their fathers. Findings indicated that fathers' type of play was very similar to mothers' with the exception that fathers engaged in more social play. Fathers were found to be less sensitive than mothers to their infants' communications and fathers…

Reviews empirical research dealing with father-infant interactions in the intact family. Results indicate fathers provide an extra source of stimulation as well as unique experiences for their infants. More similarities than differences exist in father-infant interactions as compared to mother-infant interactions; however, fathers exhibit more…

Fathers' willingness to assume infant care responsibilities was related to their sex-role concepts and the amount of time fathers were available. Fathers who felt fathers should serve a greater number of functions with their children were more likely to have been present at the infant's birth. (Author)

Investigated influence of maternal employment on maternal departure and reunion behavior during infant's first year among 60 infants and their mothers. Mothers who worked more hours were more autonomous and less anxious upon departure from their infant, and mothers who were satisfied with their employment role were more autonomous and less anxious…

Discusses the stress placed on families by nonsoothable crying infants, and describes a CrySOS clinic which was designed to help parents cope. Theoretical and empirical backgrounds are presented, as well as procedures followed at a typical first visit and some current developments. (JAC)

Surveyed 27 mothers to study the development of positive perception of their newborn infant. Results showed the relationship between prenatal attitudes and infant perception was related to mothers' age, mothers' tendency to use informational cues of infant behavior, and emotional upheaval mothers anticipate with the infant's arrival. (WAS)

Reviews research findings concerning benefits of particular forms of infant stimulation. Suggests stimulation has a soothing effect on infants. Proposes that, because many parents react with anxiety to infant stress, the use of these stimulation techniques may not only soothe the infant, but also relax the parents. (Author/RC)

This study examined family characteristics associated with the coparenting behavior of 60 parents with an 11- to 15-month-old infant (30 boys, 30 girls) during a structured triadic play session. Mothers reported on family demographics, social support, and child temperament. Both parents reported on their self-esteem and childrearing beliefs.…

Investigated maternal conditions and perceptions after the birth of a very low birthweight (VLBW) infant. Compared to mothers of term infants, mothers of VLBW infants had higher incidence of psychological distress during the neonatal period but did not differ from term-birth mothers in feelings of role restriction, parenting competence, or social…