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Do empathy and oxytocin predict responsiveness to a crying infant simulator in expecting and non-expecting couples? A multilevel study.

Authors :
Kaźmierczak M
van Ijzendoorn MH
Bakermans-Kranenburg M
Source :
Attachment & human development [Attach Hum Dev] 2022 Oct; Vol. 24 (5), pp. 624-644. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Apr 19.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Infant crying is a strong emotional stimulus that elicits caregiving responses in adults. Here we examine the role of empathy (measured with the Polish version of Interpersonal Reactivity Index) and salivary oxytocin in modulating sensitive responsiveness to a crying infant simulator in two groups of heterosexual couples: 111 expecting or 110 not expecting a baby. Sensitive responsiveness was observed during a standardized procedure using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale while participants took care of the infant simulator, both individually and as a couple. Other-oriented empathy predicted elevated levels of individual but not couple sensitive responsiveness. More OT reactivity to crying predicted less responsiveness in non-expecting couples, which might be explained by their stronger focus on task performance. This study uniquely combined hormonal, observational and self-report measures in couples, and showed that personality and hormonal correlates of sensitive responsiveness might be studied before the child's birth with the use of infant simulators.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1469-2988
Volume :
24
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Attachment & human development
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35437099
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2022.2063911