Maternal electrophysiological response to interactions with their own child: A preliminary study in a sample of same-sex mothers

Past research has examined the link between maternal electrophysiological responses, self-reported measures, and the quality of caregiving. However, these patterns have remained unexplored in same-sex mothers. Furthermore, no study has yet investigated how maternal involvement in childcare is associated with event-related potential (ERP) responses to child stimuli. To address these gaps, a sample of 32 same-sex mothers participated in the study and were videotaped during a 15-minute structured play session with their child (aged 3-11 years). The interactions were coded using the Emotional Availability Scales, and the experimental stimuli for the EEG task were derived from these recordings. Mothers then participated in an EEG task, evaluating videotapes of their own and other mother-child interactions, which displayed successful or unsuccessful exchanges. Maternal involvement in childcare was assessed using an Italian-translated version of the Child Care-giving Involvement Scale. Same-sex mothers exhibited a stronger response to interactions with their own child. Mothers with higher caregiving involvement demonstrated increased LPP activation in response to unsuccessful interactions with their own child, though this result did not remain statistically significant after post-hoc corrections. Mothers who displayed greater sensitivity, non-intrusiveness, and non-hostility showed an amplified LPP response to unsuccessful interactions with their child. This study preliminarily highlights the neural mechanisms underlying sensitive and responsive caregiving in same-sex mothers. Further inclusive research is needed to broaden the understanding of parenting determinants and outcomes, as the diversity of modern families deserves more accurate representation in both social policy and research.