Maternal responsiveness and infant irritability: The contribution of Crockenberg and Smith's "Antecedents of mother-infant interaction and infant irritability in the first 3 months of life"

The three propositions presented in this commentary demonstrate the complexities of the infant-parent relationship and the dramatic effect that each partner has on the other's behavior. Crockenberg and Smith's pioneering study laid the groundwork for a better understanding of the interconnections between the infant's irritability and the mother's sensitive responsiveness. Their innovative work is an example of a well-designed study with a significant and continuing legacy for the field of socio-emotional development.