Maternal depression and locus of control orientation as predictors of dyadic play behavior

Maternal locus of control orientation and depression were examined in relation to joint negotiation and coordination of mother‐child play at 20 months. Subjects were 51 high‐social‐risk mothers and children. Mothers completed the I‐E Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory prenatally and at 20 months; mother‐child interaction was videotaped in a laboratory playroom at 20 months. Tapes were coded using the Control‐Autonomy Balance Scales to evaluate maternal control and sensitivity and child engagement and autonomy. Analyses of dyadic play behavior indicated that maternal controllingness was related to an external locus of control orientation. Child engagement during play was related to the resolution of mild maternal depression.