Exploring the Transition Phenomenon of “Song and Musical Play” in Infants

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a lack of research regarding the use of the still-face procedure to assess infants’ comfort and reengagement in stressful situations. While previous studies have already investigated the transitional phenomenon based on Winnicott’s theory, this study uses “stuffed toy” and “song and musical play” with the still-face procedure. This study aimed to examine the transition phenomenon of infants in “song and musical play” and provide a new perspective regarding psychological support for infants. Infant responses and maternal availabilities were also analyzed. The study participants were 32 infants (M age = 17.97 months, SD = 1.43) and their mothers (M age = 32.28 years, SD = 2.96). The results showed that infants were receptive to the “stuffed toy” and displayed positive responses. Additionally, the appearance ratios of “song and musical play” imitations increased. This suggests that the infants used “song and musical play” to manage and control their affect in stressful situations. Furthermore, when the mothers exhibited maternal availability as an emotional rhythm, the infants’ responses became positive. Therefore, the infants demonstrated the transitional phenomenon to symbolize inner objects for social participation using “song and musical play” as the transitional object.