Semester Award Granted

Summer 2025

Submission Date

August 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Nancy Aaron Jones

Abstract

The present study examined whether exclusive breastfeeding duration and perceived breastfeeding quality predict maternal sensitivity across emotionally challenging versus normative caregiving contexts in infancy. Twenty-four mother–infant dyads participated in three laboratory visits during which maternal sensitivity was assessed across interaction conditions. It was hypothesized that (1) longer breastfeeding duration would be associated with greater sensitivity during fear-inducing contexts, (2) breastfeeding duration and quality would interact to predict sensitivity, and (3) sensitivity would be higher during fear-inducing situations. Contrary to expectations, maternal sensitivity was highest in the normative/free-play condition and increased over time, peaking at 14 to 16 months. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was not significantly associated with maternal sensitivity. However, perceived breastfeeding quality emerged as a mediating variable influencing sensitivity across age and context. These findings suggest that positive breastfeeding experiences may promote parenting behaviors like emotional attunement and responsiveness, particularly in low-stress, free-play interactions.

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