Modelli culturali sulla timidezza in madri immigrate e italiane con bambini nel primo anno di vita.

This study aimed to identify similarities and variations in cultural models of shyness and child temperament among Bolivian, Nigerian and Italian mothers of infants living in Northern Italy. A sample of 90 mothers participated in semi-structured interviews; free descriptions of infant characteristics were analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis. Results indicated that all groups highly valued a “sociable” child, but differences were found in the significance and adaptive value of this trait in relation to larger cultural models of parenting. The discussion highlights the need to consider differences in childrearing beliefs and practices across families within multicultural societies as well as the strengths and limitations of an emic approach to study parental cultural models.