Just as each person develops from infancy to adulthood, all interpersonal relationships have a life history that encompasses the changes in how people communicate with each other. This book is about how a relationship transforms itself from one pattern of communication to another. Looking specifically at the mother-infant relationship, the authors present a unique research method called relational-historical research, based on advances in dynamic systems theory in developmental psychology, and qualitative methods in life history research. The result is a compelling piece of research. It will have international appeal.

Prologue: overview of the research problem and summary of findings; 1. Relationships as developing systems: theoretical foundations; 2. Mother-infant relationship development in the first six months: from face-to-face play to object play; 3. Relational-historical research on development change; 4. Relational-historical research: the case study approach, frame analysis, qualitative and quantitative analysis; 5. Research propositions about relationship change process; 6. Research methods for the current investigation: subjects, procedures, and data analysis; 7. Results of the current investigation: quantitative analysis of developmental changes in relationship frames and in infant actions; 8. Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Richard and his mother; 9. Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Betsy and her mother; 10. Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Lewis and his mother; 11. Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Susan and her mother; 12. Summary of finding on relational-historical change; Epilogue: laws of change, implications for theory and practice.