Abstract
Categorical system to register the early interactive mother-children behavior. This deals with a direct observation study, realized with 11 mother-child couples, during the 10 week period following the cild's birth. Three observation sessions were done in a natural setting observing the following situations: feeding and changing of diapers. These were recorded on video. The objective focuses on elaborating a Categorical systems for the mother and baby, that then serves as an instrument to register the behavioral aspects within the aforementioned situations. The Categorical system for the mother consist of 61 items, grouped in 6 subsystems (Vocalization, Gazing, Posture, Expressiveness, Hygiene). And the Categorical system for the baby consists of 5 subsystems (Vocalization/Oral experiences, Gazing, Posture, Expressiveness, Defecation). The maternal categories are classified as Communicative, Expressive, Instrumental and Neutral; and those of the baby as, Communicative, Functional and Neutral.
