MS

thesisThe purposes of this study this study were to (a) investigate the relationship between levels of cognitive reasoning about child development used by primiparous mothers and the maternal attachment behaviors used with their 6- to 12-month old infants, and (b) to test the usefulness of two clinical tools. Observations and questionnaires were used to answer the research questions. Twenty-three mother mother-baby dyads were observed during well-baby examinations. The Massie-Campbell Mother-Infant Attachment Indicators During Stress (ADS) Scale, a clinical tool that assesses the sensitivity and reciprocity of parent-infant interaction, and the Concepts of Development Questionnaire (CODQ), a 20-question Likert scale that assesses levels of cognitive reasoning about development, were utilized. Demographic data were elicited using a short questionnaire. Several significant correlations were identified. Higher parental socioeconomic status was negatively correlated with the number of ADS Scale 1, 2, and 5 ratings. Gender differences were noted in ADS infant gazing, proximity, and mother touching and holding. Mothers' CODQ scores, particularly the Categorical score, were negatively related to several socioeconomic status variables. Working mothers had lower Categorical and higher Total scores. Correlations, though few, were found between CODQ scores and ADS Scale items, suggesting that as the level of cognitive reasoning increased, do did the intensity of attachment behaviors. The number of mother's 1, 2, or 5 ADS scale scores was positively correlated with their Categorical scores. Implications of these findings for parent-child nurses and educators are discussed