Scaffolding in low-income mother-child dyads: Relations with joint attention and dyadic reciprocity

Abstract

This study was conducted to further extend scaffolding research to low-income dyads because living in poverty may serve as a risk factor for experiencing difficulties in social and cognitive development during childhood. Scaffolding was examined in the context of mother-toddler dyads’ ( N = 56) performance of a routine feeding task that was difficult for 2-year-olds to complete independently. Both verbal and nonverbal behaviours were microanalytically coded in order to characterise the successive scaffolding strategies by mothers, and their children’s responses. Also, scaffolding data were compared to data on joint attention and dyadic reciprocity obtained from a free-play task. Results show that mothers’ use of constructive verbal strategies during the feeding task was positively associated with joint attention and mother-initiated dyadic reciprocity, both of which may be viewed as indices of maternal sensitivity. Thus, the provision of verbal assistance may be one mark of maternal sensitivity during scaffolding in low-income dyads.

Effects of professional development training on joint attention engagement in low‐quality childcare centers

“…Several authors have argued that joint attention is a type of language scaffolding in which the 'caregiver is working in the child's zone of proximal development by pitching suggestions and demonstrations just above his or her level of spontaneous achievement' (Smith, 1999, p. 87;Hustedt & Raver, 2002). Indeed, some authors have argued that joint attention and scaffolding are interdependent constructs, and that the toddler must first learn to engage in joint attention prior to establishing a language scaffold (Soderman et al, 1999;Hustedt & Raver, 2002).…”

Using a touch screen computer to support relationships between people with dementia and caregivers

“…parent; caregiver), which takes into consideration their partner's (e.g. infant; patient) abilities (Hustedt and Raver, 2002). Successful scaffolding has three components (Wood, 1999).…”

Involving older people with dementia and their carers in designing computer based support systems: some methodological considerations

“…Scaffolding refers to the provision of structure, guidance and encouragement by the higher status partner in a relationship (e.g., parent, caregiver), which takes into consideration their partner's (e.g., infant, patient) abilities [22]. Successful scaffolding has three components [44].…”