Examined observed father-infant interaction and reports of parental responsibility during infancy in 54 dual-earner and 65 single-earner families. Results indicated that personality characteristics of the father were important in predicting father's responsibility for child care in single-earner families, not in dual-earner families. Contextual…

To test hypotheses concerning interactional histories associated with variation in quality of infant-mother attachment, data were gathered during naturalistic home observations of 60 infants 1, 3, and 9 months of age. Responses were elicited on the Ainsworth and Wittig strange situations. Results concerned mothers' relatively greater influence in…

Assessed the effect of a new baby on social-network contact and family support in 72 families studied longitudinally. Analyses revealed that contact with parents' families of origin increased with time. The proximity of family of origin predicted quantity of family contact but not emotional and material support. (JAC)

Discusses the developmental risks to children of extensive day care. Suggests the following federal family policy: (1) parental-leave policies that enable one parent to remain at home during the child's first critical months; (2) parental option to work part time during the child's first year; and (3) greater availability of quality child care.…

Examines evidence concerning developmental correlates of nonmaternal care in the infant's first year with respect to infant-mother attachment and subsequent social development. Concludes that more than 20 hours a week of nonmaternal care may be a risk factor contributing to developmental difficulties. (SKC)

Studied personality change in 34 men across the transition to parenthood to determine if measurable change in men's personalities coincides with adoption of father role, and whether this change is mediated by actual involvement in fathering. Fathers' level of involvement with sons was correlated with decreased self-esteem; level of involvement…

This paper argues that researchers should not investigate child development simply through studies of the child alone or mother-infant interactions, but rather through studies of the family as a system. Data is reported which seem to support this view. A review of recent literature indicates that an adequate account of child development requires…