Differences and similarities between father-infant interaction and mother-infant interaction

J Med Dent Sci. 2014 Mar 19;61(1):7-16.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare father-infant interaction with mother-infant interaction, and explore differences and similarities between parents. Related factors for quality of father-infant interaction were also examined. Sixteen pairs of parents with infants aged 0 to 36 months were observed for play interaction between parents and their children. Results suggested no significant differences between parents, but children's interactions were significantly more contingent with fathers than mothers (p =.045). Significant correlations between parents were found in socialemotional growth fostering encouragement for children during interaction (ρ =.73, p =.001). Paternal depressive symptoms were significantly correlated to paternal sensitivity to child's cues (ρ =-.59, p =.017).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child Development
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cues
  • Depression / psychology
  • Educational Status
  • Emotions
  • Employment
  • Father-Child Relations*
  • Fathers / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Infant
  • Infant Behavior
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Maternal Behavior
  • Mental Health
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Parenting
  • Paternal Behavior
  • Play and Playthings
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology