Co-constructing mother–infant distress in face-to-face interactions: Contributions of microanalysis

Abstract We describe a range of interactions of maternal intrusion and infant avoidance, based on microanalysis of videotaped face-to-face play between mothers and 4-month infants. After a brief review of our theory of interaction, and approach to microanalysis, we describe the following interaction patterns: facial mirroring, chase and dodge, chase and dodge in a mother–infant treatment case, vocal rhythm coordination, mutually escalating over-arousal, oral teasing and the disturbance of infant self-regulation, and pulling the child into the parent's agenda.