INFANTS PROTEST THEIR MOTHERS ATTENDING TO AN INFANT-SIZE DOLL

Twelve-month old infants (N = 76) experienced 4 situations of unrespon siveness in which their mothers and a stranger directed positive atten tion toward a doll or a picture book while they ignored the infant. In fants demonstrated more protest, negative vocalizations and inhibited play during the doll condition, particularly if the doll was held by t he mother. Infant contacts with the mother were more frequent when the mother held the doll. Infants' distress during the mother/doll condit ion was interpreted as jealousy.