Abstract

Previous research indicates that infant sleep is a complex topic for parents to navigate. Parents often face exhaustion and stress in putting their infants to sleep and may try different methods of encouraging them to sleep independently. Utilizing Uri Bronfebrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979), this study examines parental background (e.g., occupation, race, religion, socioeconomic status) in relation to attitudes and interventions towards infant sleep. This research also considers where and how parents receive information regarding infant sleep and what supports parents rely on in navigating their infants’ sleep journeys. From a sample of mothers, this study finds that the macrosystem seems to have the strongest influence on their attitudes towards infant sleep, frequently affecting the interventions they use. Many participants report that their main source of information regarding infant sleep is digital media, part of the macrosystem. Attitudes toward infant sleep seem to be correlated with parental age; that is, parents between the ages of 18 and 26 looked to others for advice in understanding their infant, parents between the ages of 27 and 34 were more likely to sleep-train their infant, and parents 35 and older showed a high level of sensitivity in their nighttime parenting. This research may contribute to mental health professionals’ understanding of parents’ needs regarding sleep issues associated with infants and young children. Keywords: infant sleep, nighttime parenting, sleep training, co-sleeping, Ecological Systems Theory, parental age, social media

First Advisor

Barbara Mowder

Second Advisor

Brenna Hassinger-Das

Document Type

ETD

Date of Award

7-31-2024

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