Biases in the evaluation of infant crying in maternal negligence: the role of alexithymia
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- Silvia Herrero-Roldán+−
- Sonia Byrne+−
- María José Rodrigo+−
- Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera+−
- Inmaculada León+−
Abstract
This study analyzes the extent to which the subjective evaluation of infant crying in mothers with severe neglect is altered, and the possible influence of alexithymia on this alteration. Participants were 24 neglectful mothers and 22 control mothers who evaluated the faces of children and adult (crying and neutral) according to their valence and the approximation response elicited by them. The results indicate that both groups evaluate infant faces as more pleasant and with a greater approximation response than adult faces. Two types of bias were obtained: 1) a less pleasant evaluation of the neutral faces, similar to that of crying, in the high levels of alexithymia characteristic of neglectful mothers; and 2) a greater response of approximation to crying in neglectful mothers that is not explained by their high levels of alexithymia, since these generate less approximation response. The resolution of these dissonances must be a therapeutic objective of first order to advance in the promotion of their capacities and favor the preservation or family reunification.
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