Mother–child neural synchronization is time linked to mother–child positive affective state matching

Abstract In the first years of life, in which self-regulation occurs via external means, mother–child synchronization of positive affect (PA) facilitates regulation of child homeostatic systems. Mother–child affective synchrony may contribute to mother–child synchronization of neural systems, but limited research has explored this possibility. Participants were 41 healthy mother–child dyads (56% girls; Mage = 24.76 months; s.d. = 8.77 months, Range = 10–42 months). Mothers’ and children’s brain activities were assessed simultaneously using near-infrared spectroscopy while engaging in dyadic play. Mother and child PA during play were coded separately to characterize periods in which mothers and children (i) matched on high PA, (ii) matched on low/no PA or (iii) showed a mismatch in PA. Models evaluated moment-to-moment correlations between affective matching and neural synchrony in mother–child dyads. Greater positive affective synchrony, in which mother and child showed similarly high levels of PA but not similarly low levels of PA, was related to greater synchrony in medial and lateral frontal and temporoparietal regions. Age moderated associations between mother and child neural activities but only during moments of high PA state matching. Positive, synchronous mother–child interactions may foster greater neural responding in affective and social regions important for self-regulation and interpersonal bonds.