Exploring the Relationship Between Maternal Wellbeing, Infant Development, Smartphone Use, and Mother-Infant Responsiveness.

ABSTRACT: Emerging evidence suggests smartphone use has adverse effects on mother-infant relationships. However, while research suggests that maternal responsiveness is reduced when using a smartphone, little research has been undertaken with infants. This study used cross-sectional data to explore associations between infant social-emotional development, maternal mental health outcomes, smartphone use, and mother-infant responsiveness. We recruited 450 mothers with infants aged 3-9 months, in the UK. Data were collected between October 2021 and April 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Validated self-report scales measured predictor variables and an outcome variable of mother-infant responsiveness. Hierarchical linear multiple regression identified a final model (R² = 0.385, F (3,432) = 

SUBMITTER: Golds L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11803550 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature