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ABSTRACT
This study represents the first video observation of parenting practices conducted in Yemen, where women are generally fully veiled, showing only their eyes, in the presence of strangers. A total of 62 mothers and children (aged 2–6 years) were filmed in their homes for 15 minutes during free interaction. The mothers’ veils did not hamper the coding of sensitivity. Consistent with the socioeconomically deprived context, average sensitivity levels were low, but over 25% of mothers were rated as (very) sensitive. Mothers with a higher educational level and those experiencing more social support were more sensitive. About half of the mothers had their child perform household chores, which was related to lower sensitivity. Observations revealed frequent looking at the camera. Almost half of the mothers verbally expressed insecurity about the videotaping, and a third expressed awareness of being filmed. Interestingly however, these behaviors were unrelated to Ainsworth ratings of maternal sensitivity.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the excellent data collection work done by Bushra AlKhulaidi under very challenging circumstances. This study would not have been possible without her. We also thank the families for participating in our study and allowing us to film in their homes. Finally, we would like to thank Nuffic for the scholarship awarded to the first author which made this study possible.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).