The significance of maternal sensitivity in infant distress and play contexts

Relations among maternal state of mind with regard to attachment, maternal sensitivity, and mother-infant attachment were assessed prospectively among 68 mother-infant dyads. Primary attention was given to maternal sensitivity to infant distress, and its role in mediating the relation between maternal state of mind with regard to attachment and mother-infant attachment quality. Maternal sensitivity to distress was assessed using an event-based coding system developed by the author. Maternal state of mind was predictive of mother-infant attachment considering both 2- and 3-way classifications. Maternal state of mind was also significantly related to maternal holding behavior during episodes of child distress, with autonomous mothers showing more holding behavior during distress than did non-autonomous mothers. Autonomous mothers were also more likely than non-autonomous mothers to show an increased proportion of holding behavior in distress versus non-distress situations. Associations between maternal sensitivity (in both play and distress) and mother-infant attachment were not significant when 2-way classifications were considered, but significant findings emerged when 3-way classifications were considered. The present study provides evidence supporting the significance of maternal sensitivity to distress, and its relevance to the attachment relationship. The study also provides support for the potential utility of microanalytic coding in assessing maternal sensitivity.