This paper examines conceptual issues and research evidence related to the effects of day care on infants. Examples of cultural relativism in child development are used as the basis for arguing that there is no fixed list of parental behaviors that can be counted on to meet children's psychological needs. American cultural values and the resultant…

Three hypotheses were investigated among 121 maltreating and adequate mother/child dyads: that (1) there would be qualitative differences in the supportiveness of mothers' networks; (2) differences would be related to differences in child attachment to mother; and (3) differences in mothers' approaches to relationships might have influenced their…

Discusses research which shows the development of compliance in infants and young children. Describes the relationships between compliance and attachment to parents, childrearing style, timing and setting of control techniques, and development of self-control and problem-solving abilities. Discusses the importance of mother-child relationships for…

This study examined the relationship between a mother's childrearing history, perceived social support, and maternal empathy and the quality of engagement with her child during play. The study also focused on the roles of social support as a moderating variable and maternal empathy as a mediating variable in the relationship. Participants were 77…

This annual report presents several articles related to the work of the Clinical Center for Child Development at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. The articles are: (1) "The Functional Uses of Infant-Directed Speech of Fathers and Mothers: A Comparison Study" (Katsuko Niwano); (2) "Are Children 'Among the Gods'?: Parental…

The interactions of Efe infants and toddlers in Zaire with their parents, other adults, and other children were observed. Efe children experienced a pattern of simultaneous and multiple relationships, rather than a pattern that initially focuses on one person and then progresses to other relationships. (BC)

Attachment dimensions and styles, parental caregiving styles, and acculturation were investigated among 155 Mexican American and White college women. Results showed no differences between groups on attachment dimensions or styles. For both groups, only paternal variables were associated with attachment security. Implications of measurement and…

This paper aims to explore factors influencing the parenting of adolescents and investigate what constitutes a helpful therapeutic intervention for a parent whose adolescent refuses or fails to engage in therapeutic treatment. Three areas of research and theory are explored: findings from the socialization approach to parenting and from attachment…

Literature on parent-toddler affiliative behavior which reflects the dynamic and reciprocal nature of parent-toddler interaction is reviewed in this paper, including an ecosystems perspective. Affiliative behaviors for parents and toddlers are defined with respect to the verbal and physical behaviors of both parent and toddler. Also, research…

The normal, biologically adaptive development of attachment between the human infant under 3 years of age and mother/caregivers contrasts with the Anglo-Saxon cultural belief that babies should be accustomed to unpleasantness. Separation of hospitalized children from their mothers, as frequently done in the past, has resulted in psychological…

Compiling essays authored by Benjamin Spock and published in popular magazines, this book examines the emotional and physical needs of infants and toddlers. The chapters are: (1) "Communicating with Your Baby: Reading Your Baby's Cues," including information on crying, motor behavior, squealing, and parents' responses; (2) "Parents'…

Proposes a conceptual framework based on attachment theory and parenting styles typology for examining the relationship between family context variables and the development of self-regulation skills. Also presents initial findings from a study of the parental practices and values associated with academic self-regulation in college students.…

Background: As infant disorganized attachment is a serious risk factor for later child psychopathology, it is important to examine whether attachment disorganization can be prevented or reduced. Method: In a randomized intervention study involving 130 families with 6-month-old adopted infants, two attachment-based intervention programs were…

Research on determinants of parenting behavior has traditionally focused on parents' goals and beliefs about child rearing or on the effect of parents' own attachment experiences. In an effort to relate these two approaches, a study was conducted to examine parent behaviors and attitudes in 94 parent-child dyads. Dyads consisted of 20 fathers and…

Nearly 30 years ago, research showed that preschool children reared by parents with differing parenting attitudes or styles, differed in their degrees of social competence. To test this theory, a two-year study was conducted. During "Year 1," 2,250 high school seniors and 406 university freshmen from the middle South were surveyed…