Caregiver-infant interactions

INTRODUCTION TO CAREGIVER-INFANT INTERACTIONS

Attachment is a mutual emotional bond or tie that develops between two individuals, typically a primary caregiver and a child. This bond is characterised by a reciprocal and enduring relationship that persists over time. Psychological research focuses on the interactions between caregivers and infants, as they offer valuable insights into the quality and nature of attachment.

RECIPROCITY

Reciprocity refers to the dynamic process in which an infant responds to the actions of another person, and the other person, in turn, responds to the infant. Brazelton et al. (1975) likened this interaction to a dance, where each partner responds to the other's movements and rhythm. Reciprocity is a crucial aspect of caregiver-infant interactions, where both individuals engage in a back-and-forth exchange of actions and responses. According to Feldman (2007), reciprocity becomes more frequent from around three months old as the infant and caregiver become more attuned to each other's verbal and nonverbal cues. A caregiver's sensitive responsiveness to the infant's behaviour during these interactions can help establish a strong foundation for attachment between the caregiver and the infant later on.

INTERACTIONAL SYNCHRONY

Interactional synchrony is the phenomenon in which an infant mirrors the actions or emotions of another person, such as their facial expressions. This mirroring behaviour can be described as imitation or copying the adult's behaviour. During caregiver-infant interactions, the infant may move their body or perform the same action as the caregiver in synchronisation, resulting in both individuals being in sync with each other. This interaction helps maintain communication between the two individuals and fosters a sense of connection between the caregiver and the infant.