Abstract
In the context of the trend toward delayed childbearing, the aim of this study was to examine relations among maternal age and the quality of maternal interactive behavior at 7 months assessed using sensitivity and mind-mindedness, while also considering whether age effects were attributable to psychological maturity and parenting cognitions. Participants were 150 Australian mothers (mean age 33-years) and their firstborn infants who were participating in a prospective study of parenthood. Path analysis showed maternal age had both direct and indirect associations with maternal interactive behavior. Older mothers made more mind-related comments to their infants. They were also more sensitive; however, this effect was indirect and explained by greater psychological maturity (hardiness) and a more internal locus of control with regard to parenting. Results suggest that older maternal age may confer some benefits in terms of responsive parenting in infancy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 396-422 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Journal | Infancy |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2016 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Maternal age, psychological maturity, parenting cognitions, and mother–infant interaction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Cite this
- APA
- Author
- BIBTEX
- Harvard
- Standard
- RIS
- Vancouver