Article
Maternal Facial Behavior and the Recognition and Production of Emotional Expression by Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children
Developmental Psychology
(1990)
Abstract
20 maltreated and 20 nonmaltreated children (ages = 3-7 years) and their mothers were observed
during a laboratory play session and 7 home observation visits. Ss facial behavior was video recorded
in the lab and coded live by observers in the home. Children also participated in an emotionalexpression
recognition task. Data analysis showed that both maltreatment status and mothers' facial
behavior were predictors of children's recognition scores. Positive relationships were also found between
mothers' and children's expressive behavior. Although maltreated and nonmaltreated children
differed significantly in their recognition of emotional facial expressions, group differences were not
found for either mothers' or children's expressive behavior. Overall, this study's findings indicate
that children's recognition and production of facial expressions depends in part on the expressive
environment provided by their mothers.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1990
Citation Information
Linda A. Camras, Sheila Ribordy, Jean Hill, Steve Martino, et al.. "Maternal Facial Behavior and the Recognition and Production of Emotional Expression by Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children" Developmental Psychology Vol. 26 Iss. 2 (1990) p. 304 - 312 ISSN: 0012-1649 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/linda_camras/45/