Abstract
Objective: The present study investigated two experimental paradigms to explore whether individual differences in adult responses to crying were related to the method of presentation of the crying infant – namely, a video simulation or a life-like programmable doll. Background: The importance of understanding individual differences in caregiver responses to infant crying is well recognised, but assessment of caregiver responses presents considerable methodological challenges. Method: Participants were 106 female childless undergraduate students. Responses assessed included self-report measures of self-efficacy beliefs, feelings of empathy toward the crying infant, caregiver concern and irritation, and heart-rate reactivity. Participants were randomly allocated to exposure to either a life-like crying doll or to a video of a crying infant. Results: Compared to those in the video condition, participants exposed to the crying doll showed lower self-efficacy beliefs, experienced greater feelings of irritation and a greater change in heart-rate responses, p < .05, but no differences in feelings of concern or empathy towards the infant. Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence that the crying doll paradigm may be a more ecologically valid approach to exploring the impact of crying on adults; however, methodological considerations related to individual differences in physiological responses need further clarification in future research.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
