Coding Interactive Behaviour Instrument: Mother-Infant Interaction Quality, Construct Validity, Measurement Invariance, and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety

Abstract The quality of parent-child interaction has consistently been associated with child psychosocial outcomes. Postnatal depression (PND) and anxiety (PNA) can have an adverse effect on the interaction. Coding Interactive Behaviour (CIB) measure frequently used to assess parent-infant quality; however, few investigated construct validity. purpose this study is to: (1) compare two theoretical models one data-driven model for best fit test fitting measurement invariance among mothers without PND, (2) effects PND PNA mother-infant interactions. sample consisted ( n = 236) a subclinical elevated symptoms but did not meet criteria diagnosis 183) their infants (aged ≤ 6 months). was assessed diagnostic interview using self-report measure. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that model, consisting composites ‘Maternal Sensitivity’, ‘Child Engagement’, Social Withdrawal’, Controlling Behaviour’, reached regard PND. Factorial ANOVAs no composites. first investigate find in CIB, providing evidence importance investigating structure instrument liable change due contextual factors discussed.