Dyadic reciprocity in the emerging relationship between low-income African American mothers and their toddlers

a candidate for the degree of doctor of philosophy, and hereby certify that, in their opinion, it is worthy of acceptance. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For their unending support and encouragement, I would like to thank my family. My mother, who provided constant belief in my abilities to realize my goals, my mother-in-law, who insisted that " this is only temporary, " and my grandmother, who instilled in me her quiet inner strength, are all just as much a part of this as I am. To my ever-patient and understanding husband, Mike, who never wavered in his self-proclaimed role as my most fervent ally, this thesis is dedicated to you. To my sweet and precocious daughters, Lauren and Ariel, may these early parent-child interactions be instilled into your relational beings to be drawn upon always. For Dr. Kathy Thornburg, who has been the motivating force in my educational life for the past five years, I offer the thanks of a most grateful student. Without your clarifying perspective and copious support I could not have come this far. Thanks are also due to my committee members, Drs. could not have asked for a more encouraging, thoughtful, and expert committee with whom to work on this project.