Parental interactions with Latino infants: variation by country of origin and English proficiency.
This study examined variation in mother-infant interactions, father engagement, and infant cognition as a function of country of origin, socioeconomic status, and English language proficiency in a national sample of Latino infants (age 9 months) born in the United States and living with both biological parents (N=1,099). Differences between Mexican-American infants, who had lower mother-infant interaction scores and less father physical play than did the other Latino infants, were associated with differences in acculturation (both parents' English proficiency). Indicators of acculturation and paternal reports of happiness with partner were associated with paternal engagement. Indicators of acculturation were also related to mother-infant interactions. Infant cognitive scores were associated with maternal interaction but not father engagement, and maternal but not paternal mental health.
Cabrera
Natasha J
NJ
University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA. ncabrera@umd.edu
Shannon
Jacqueline D
JD
West
Jerry
J
Brooks-Gunn
Jeanne
J
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude / Q000208:ethnology*; D003469:Culture; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007802:Language; D007843:Latin America / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014705:Verbal Behavior