Interactional Synchrony Between 3 Years Old Children and Their Mothers in Extended and Nuclear Families

Abstract

The synchronization characteristics of mothers and their 3-year-old children living in large and nuclear family types were examined in a semi-structured play process. Grounded multi-case research was used. The participants of the study consisted of 12 mothers along with their 3- year-old children. Family type (extended and nuclear) and gender of the child were controlled for. Camera recordings of the mother–child couples during a 10-minute playtime were used as the main data for the study. Observation and interview techniques were used to describe the interactions of the group in depth. Results suggest that interactional synchrony behaviours are very limited in all mother–child couples in both extended and nuclear families although mothers from nuclear families showed slightly more positive attitudes towards their children. Stereotypical behaviour and traditional practices have an effect on the behaviour of mothers towards their children in the transition from extended family to nuclear family.