Jeana Travis
Research Mentor: Tiffany Munzer
Mentor Department: Pediatrics, Medicine
Author(s): Jeana Travis, Tiffany Munzer
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 77
Abstract
This research project examines how maternal mobile device use may influence early parent–infant interactions and infant emotional responses. Using data from parent–infant dyads collected when infants were 3, 6, and 12 months old, the study analyzes associations between the amount of time mothers spend on mobile devices and infant affect during the Still Face Paradigm, a structured interaction used to assess infant emotional regulation and responsiveness. Infant positive and negative affect are coded during baseline play, still face, and reunion phases. Maternal mobile device use is measured using weekly screen time data from iOS devices. Through bivariate and multivariable analyses, this study aims to determine whether greater maternal device use is associated with changes in infant emotional responses. The findings may contribute to understanding how technology use in modern caregiving environments influences early attachment and infant development.
