Correlates of maternal directiveness with children who are developmentally delayed.

Interactions between 25 mothers and their children with developmental delays were correlated to determine the relationships between maternal directiveness and a) maternal behavior regarded as developmentally facilitative, b) maternal intrusiveness, and c) child developmental competence and behavioral engagement. The findings, many of which challenge common conceptions about the nature and role of maternal directiveness, are discussed in relation to these conceptions and to the potential role of directiveness in the development of children with handicaps.