PEER VS MOTHER DIRECTED BEHAVIOR IN 1-MONTH-OLD TO 3-MONTH-OLD INFANTS

Infants between the ages of five and 14 weeks were observed during the first ten seconds of interaction with their own mother, with a strange peer, and alone. Results show that infant behavior was qualitatively different during each condition. Behavior to mother was smoother, more varied, and relied more on fine motor expressive movements in the infant's face and fingers. Behavior to the peer was more abrupt and intense, composed primarily of a relaxed face, but with gross motor movements of arms and body. Behavior while alone was relaxed. © 1979 Ablex Publishing Corporation.