Presence and Quality of Touch Influence Coregulation in Mother–Infant Dyads
Amanda J. Moreno
Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
German E. Posada
Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University
Danielle T. Goldyn
Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

The first major goal of this study was to determine whether touch would enhance mother–infant coregulation in ordinary, nonstressful face-to-face interactions. In an experimental manipulation of presence versus absence of touch in face-to-face interactions between 79 mothers and their 3.5-month-old infants, results indicated that when touch is prohibited, relaxed and mutually attuned coregulation (asymmetrical coregulation) decreases. Contrary to expectations, coactive and mutually attuned coregulation (symmetrical coregulation) increased during prohibited touch, but this finding was qualified by a significant interaction between touch and order. The second major goal of this study was to question the assumption that the presence of touch should exert uniform effects on mother–infant interactions despite likely individual differences in the way touch is practiced. We assessed affectionate touch and stimulating touch in the touch condition of the experiment. Results indicated that the decrease in symmetrical coregulation during touch was primarily explained by those dyads that practiced more affectionate and less stimulating touch, indicating that affectionate touch is inversely related and stimulating touch is directly related to infant activity level.