Normative Features of Black Infant-Parent Attachment Relationships.

Characteristic patterns of infant-parent relationships were examined in a sample of Black infants presumed to be at low risk for psychopathological development. Infant responses toward parents and a stranger in a structured laboratory play session were analyzed to determine normative patterns of Black infant-parent attachments. Infant exploratory behavior revealed indications of positive infant-parent relationships. Absence of parent affiliative responses was found and interpreted as an indicator of infant self-assurance in an unfamiliar setting. Findings are (1) discussed as indications of psychologically sound normal Black infant-parent relationships; (2) seen as distinguishing Black infants' behavior from that of White infants as reported in child development literature, and (3) held to be potentially useful as behavioral standards for clinical assessments of Black infants considered at risk for psychopathological development and of their families. (Author/BG)