Maternal sensitivity in Singapore: early educators' beliefs and mothers' reported versus observed behavior.

Abstract

To better understand perceptions and self-evaluations of sensitive caregiving in Singapore we examined observed (n=301) and self-reported (n=85) maternal behavior, as well as local early educators' (n = 57) opinions concerning ideal maternal behavior, which we then used to create a local MBQS ideal criterion. The association between local educators' MBQS sorting and the standard MBQS ideal criterion was r = 0.67, indicating alignment. Maternal observed and self-reported scores were not significantly associated (MBQS sensitivity criterion: r = -0.13, p = .317; Local criterion: r = -0.10, p = .441). Observed scores (Sensitivity: M = 0.21, Local criterion: M = 0.27) were lower than self-reported scores (Sensitivity: M = 0.62, t(63) = -8.05, p < .001; Local criterion: M = 0.59, t(57) = -7.77, p < .001). The findings reinforce those of past research concerning cross-cultural similarities and limitations in self-reports. Regarding interventional efforts, these point to the need to counter parental resistance to intervention as "unnecessary" with a better understanding of the limits of self-evaluation. Concerning interventional efficacy, the need for observational assessment of change is reinforced.