ABSTRACT
In contrast to the observation of undisturbed mother-infant interaction, much can be learned from the introduction of a well-defined variation into that interaction. The so-called "still-face" situation is one of the best known of such approaches, and one of the most thoroughly explored. The consistent pattern of infant behavior in the still-face situation is repeated attempts to elicit mother's response, followed by somber expression, orientation away from mother, and finally withdrawal. Social interaction is a rule-governed, goal-oriented system in which both partners share actively. The still-face condition violates the rules of this system by simultaneously conveying contradictory information about the partner's goal or intent. Infants, who apprehend this display of intent, are trapped in the contradiction. They respond to the apparent intent and greet the mother, then turn away and withdraw temporarily, only to initiate again.
