Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review research literature on infant-directed singing, infant perception of music, and select components of mother-infant interaction. This review supports the idea that infant-directed singing may have therapeutic value for at-risk mother/infant pairs. Mothers around the world intuitively utilize and modify specific musical elements when singing to their infants. In response, infants show alterations in attention and arousal as well as clear preferences for their mothers' unique singing style. Furthermore, infants have sophisticated processing abilities for music stimuli, suggesting a biological predisposition for music perception. Music, therefore, provides developmentally appropriate sensory stimulation for even the youngest of infants. Through infant-directed singing, mothers and infants demonstrate reciprocal behaviors considered necessary for the development of secure attachment, including maternal sensitivity and infant affect regulation. Consequently, infant-directed singing may serve as an effective treatment intervention for mothers and infants who are at-risk for insecure attachment.
