Mother and Preschool Child Interaction: A Sequential Approach

Abstract

A system for studying sequences of parent-child interaction with a 2− to 3–1/2-year-old child at home is described. The method focuses on parental initiations of interactions with their child, as well as parental responses to child initiations, to negative or oppositional child behaviors, and to their child's distress. The measures developed for these purposes allow an assessment of extended sequences of interaction, a quantified assessment of the style of the interchange, its affective components, and the resolution or outcome of the interactions.