Early Language Development in Context: Interactions Between Infant Temperament and Parenting Characteristics

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: This study considered the interplay between infant temperament and maternal caregiving behaviors in relation to early language. A total of 118 mother–infant dyads participated in the study. Mothers rated infant positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), and maternal behaviors were coded during a free-play task when infants were 10 months old. Infant expressive language (EL) and receptive language (RL) were assessed at 14 months of age. Findings revealed significant outcomes for EL but not RL. The association between maternal support and EL was positive for infants with higher PA and negative for infants lower in PA. There was a negative association between maternal intrusiveness and EL for infants higher in PA and NA; this association was positive for infants lower in PA and NA. Practice or Policy: Infants who express more PA and NA may benefit from more supportive and less intrusive parenting with regard to EL development. Infants who express less affect do not appear to benefit from more involved caregiving in regard to EL development. Because early language has implications for academic achievement in elementary school and beyond, these findings highlight the importance of understanding individual and contextual factors that impact early language.