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Abstract
This study examined the relationships of stress and social support to maternal attitudes
and early mother-infant interactive behavior. 52 mother-premature infant pairs and
53 mother-full-term infant pairs were seen for structured home interviews at 1 month,
and behavioral interactions at 4 months. Maternal life stress, social support, life
satisfaction, and satisfaction with parenting were assessed at the 1-month home visit.
Although no group differences were found, both stress and support significantly predicted
maternal attitudes at 1 month and interactive behavior at 4 months when data were
pooled. Mothers with greater stress were less positive in their attitudes and behavior,
while mothers with greater support were significantly more positive. Intimate support
proved to have the most general positive effects. Additionally, social support moderated
the adverse effects of stress on mother's life satisfaction and on several behavioral
variables. Maternal social support was further found to have several significant effects
on infant interactive behavior. Results are discussed in terms of the ecological significance
of social support to parenting and infants' early development.