Reliability of the dyadic mutuality code test in mother/child interaction

• Grant number: 13/18938-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: February 28, 2014
• End date: February 27, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
• Grantee: Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
• Host Investigator: Stacey Chapman Dusing
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), United States

Abstract

Motor and cognitive development in early childhood is related to mother-child interaction. Standardized valid reliable test, as well as proper training are necessary. Thus, this study aims to assess reliability of the Dyadic Mutuality Code (DMC) and propose an additional subtest to codify mother-child interaction using toys. Children ages 6 weeks, 3, 4 and 6 months recruited in Richmond - Virginia (USA) will be assessed. DMC will be used to measure the dyad of changes between infant and their mothers. The test is divided into 6 items that measure: mutual attention, positive affect, maternal pauses, turn-taking, infant clarity of cues, and maternal sensitive responsiveness. Scoring is based on standardized 5-minute observations, and in accordance with a scale regarding the synchrony of mother-child interaction. Scores range from 1 to 2, limiting the global score to 12 points. Score-based categories are "low responsivity (6-8 points), "moderate responsivity (9 points), and "high responsivity" (10-12 points). Mothers are instructed to interact with their children the same way it is done at home, without the use of toys. Recordings will be assessed by two examiners at separate times. A 95% confidence interval in the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient will state inter and intraobserver agreement. For interobserver agreement analysis, data collected from both observers in both moments will be analyzed, and for intraobserver agreement analysis, scoring will happen after a 2-day interval between measurements. Bland-Altman plot analysis will allow viewing of mean differences and extreme agreement limits of two standard deviation rates of the difference between measures. Internal consistency will also be evaluated via Cronbach coefficient alpha (a=0.95). An additional DMC subtest will be posteriorly developed to codify mother-child interaction using toys. Methodology will be jointly defined with the advisor abroad.Key-words: mother-child interaction, infant development, reliability, evaluation instrument. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CICUTO FERREIRA ROCHA, NELCI ADRIANA; DOS SANTOS SILVA, FERNANDA PEREIRA; DOS SANTOS, MARIANA MARTINS; DUSING, STACEY C.. Impact of mother-infant interaction on development during the first year of life: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF CHILD HEALTH CARE, v. 24, n. 3, JULY 2019. (13/18938-5)