In this small-scale preliminary study, we compared the correlation between assessments based on short videorecordings and infant observation. Five mother-infant dyads were assessed when the child was 1 year of age according to the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment method (PCERA, 65 items) developed by Roseanne Clark (1985), using both observations covering 1 year and a 5-min videorecording. The agreement between two video raters was sufficient (κ = 0.41-1.00 or proportion of agreement: 4/5-5/5) in 54 items. In 42 (78%) of these items, there was at least moderate agreement (κ = 0.41-1.00 or proportion of agreement 4/5-5/5), and in another 7 (13%) items fair (κ = 0.21-0.40 or proportion of agreement 3/5) agreement between the video and observation ratings, and both methods revealed the areas of strength and areas of concern of the dyads. Only a few items describing negative interactive style were assessed as identifying concern, but such items identified the dyad which was assessed to have the most constant problems. Most items describing positive interactive style and identifying the areas of concern in the interactive style according to both observation and video assessment were connected with the parental and dyadic engagement in the interaction. Five items with slight or poor (κ ≤ 0.20 or proportion of agreement 1/5-2/5) agreement between video rater and observer gave rise to questions about how the videorecording situation affected the behavior of the dyads, and about the limits of assessment methods and assessment of dyads with children of different ages and dyads from different cultures. ©2005 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

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We analyzed depressive and psychosomatic symptoms in relation to parental preference in 419 twins at the age of 22 to 30 years. Depressiveness was elicited with Children's Depression Inventory and reported as a total score and three subscales (low self-confidence, anhedonia and sadness) based on factor analysis as reported in a previous epidemiological study conducted in Finland. Items assessing nervous complaints and somatic symptoms were adapted from Finnish studies of juvenile health habits. Twins reported the preference in two directions: experienced parental preference towards either twin, and twin's own preference towards either parent. About half of the twins were from pairs where both twins experienced having been equally close to both parents, while about 30% were from 'equal and mother's' pair, where one twin evaluated having been preferred by the mother and the co-twin evaluated having been equally close to both parents. According to the twins' own preference, about one third of the twin pairs were 'both equal', one third 'both mother's' and one third 'equal and mother's'. Those male twins who were equally close to both parents (experienced parental preference) had least total depressiveness, while females in the intermediate situation had the highest self-confidence and least anhedonia and nervousness. According to twins' own preference, twins who felt equally close to both parents had the least depressiveness and anhedonia. The intermediate position seems to be the best alternative, as these twins had the least symptoms.

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