Citation

Richters JE, Zahn-Waxler C. Early Child Res. Q. 1988; 3(3): 319-336.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(88)90007-5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Under what circumstances are what outcomes associated with what patterns of early nonmaternal care, to what extent, and why? When the day care studies reviewed by Belsky are evaluated with this manifold question in mind, it becomes clear that precious little is known at this point; infant day care research is itself still in infancy. This commentary begins with a conceptual and methodological critique of Belsky's infant day care position. There follows a consideration of alternative models of influence that may account for the putative association of day care and maladjustment, and a description of some data analytic strategies that may be useful in exploring the models. The manifold day care question is recommended as a template for the guidance, interpretation and public discussion of infant day care research.