To examine the effects of risk on infant development within cultural
contexts, 141 dual-earner Israeli and Palestinian couples and their
first-born child were observed at 5 months and again at 34 months. Eight
ecological determinants were examined as potential risk factors, including
the infant's observed and parent-reported difficult temperament; the
mother's depressive symptoms, work–family interference, and
experience of childbirth; the parents' marital satisfaction and
social support; and observed maternal and paternal sensitivity. Symbolic
play and behavior problems were assessed at 34 months. Culture-specific
effects of risk and protective factors were found. Parent sensitivity
facilitated symbolic competence to a greater extent in the Israeli group.
Culture moderated the effects of maternal depression and family social
support on toddlers' behavior problems. Maternal depressive symptoms
had a negative impact on the behavior adaptation of Israeli children and
social support buffered against behavior problems in the Arab group.
Implications for research on risk and resilience and the role of culture
in moderating the effects of ecological risk are discussed.The Israeli–Palestinian Project was
supported by the New-Land Foundation. The study is dedicated to the memory
of the late professor Donald Cohen, MD, whose vision and support enabled
this project.