Shared Pleasure in Early Mother‐Infant Interactions Predicts Infant Attachment Security: A Brief Report

TL;DR

Moments of shared pleasure between mothers and infants at 4 months predict secure infant attachment at 13 months, regardless of maternal depression.

Contribution

This study identifies shared pleasure as a novel predictor of infant attachment security.

Findings

The mean duration of shared pleasure moments at 4 months is linked to secure infant attachment at 13 months.

Shared pleasure is not associated with maternal depressive symptoms.

Abstract

Sharing emotions is a fundamental aspect of human interactions. Shared pleasure refers to moments where caregiver and infant engage in mutual smiling while making eye contact. This study examined shared pleasure in early mother‐infant interactions as a predictor of infant attachment security. Associations between shared pleasure and maternal depressive symptoms were also investigated. The sample included 67 mother‐infant dyads, of whom 22 mothers were diagnosed with postpartum depression. Shared pleasure was assessed through micro‐coding of 3‐min mother‐infant interactions recorded in the laboratory at 4 months. Infant attachment security was measured using the Strange Situation Procedure at 13 months. Generalized linear models showed that the mean duration of shared pleasure moments, but not their mere presence, was associated with infant attachment security, with a medium‐sized effect. Maternal depressive symptoms were not associated with shared pleasure. These findings suggest that shared pleasure may be an important early interaction dynamic to foster the development of secure attachment relationships.