Different Fear-Regulation Behaviors in Toddlerhood: Relations to Preceding Infant Negative Emotionality, Maternal Depression, and Sensitivity

In the study presented, the development of different fear regulation behaviors and their associations with preceding maternal sensitivity and depression is addressed. A sample of 64 mother-child pairs was examined at the children’s ages of 4, 12, and 30 months. Four-month negative reactivity and 12- and 30- month behavioral inhibition and fear regulation behaviors were assessed using laboratory routines. Maternal sensitivity and depression were assessed by behavior observations and questionnaires, respectively. Four-month negative emotionality preceded 30-month behavioral inhibition. Passive fear-regulation behaviors showed significant continuity between 12 and 30 months but no relations with maternal characteristics. In contrast, active fear-regulation behaviors were significantly related to less maternal depression and high sensitivity but showed no continuity. These associations might reflect a more stable disposition underlying passive fear behaviors and a higher dependence on experience for the active fear behaviors