Aggressive behavior in infants is a predictor of an unfavorable development later in life. Current study investigates the relation between infant aggressive behavior, regulation capacity and...Show moreAggressive behavior in infants is a predictor of an unfavorable development later in life. Current study investigates the relation between infant aggressive behavior, regulation capacity and negative affect, and maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness. The aim of the study was to identify indicators of early infant aggression. 85 Mothers (M = 24.67 years, SD = 2.10) filled in questionnaires concerning infant aggressive behavior and temperament of their 20-month-old infant (M = 19.92 months, SD = 0.76, 54 % boys). Maternal behavior was observed during a Teaching Task. Regression and mediation analyses where conducted. Current study confirms maternal sensitivity and negative affect as predictors of infant aggressive behavior. For infant regulation capacity and intrusive parenting of the mother no predictive value was found. Maternal parenting skills did not mediate the association between infant temperament and aggression. The results suggest that infant negative affect is an important factor in the development of infant aggression and should be involved in future prevention and intervention programs together with stimulating mothers’ sensitive parenting skills.Show less
