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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization
Published on: April 19, 2017
Factors influencing language development in preterm infants
1Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs 06269, USA. regina.cusson@uconn.edu
Summary
Preterm infants often experience language delays. However, maternal sensitivity can enhance their language development, highlighting the role of nursing interventions in supporting early communication skills.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Nursing
Background:
- Preterm infants face significant risks for developmental challenges, particularly in language acquisition.
- Early language development is crucial for overall cognitive and social-emotional growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors impacting language development in preterm infants.
- To identify key predictors of language outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 43 preterm infants (birth weight < 2,000 g, gestation < 36 weeks) and their mothers.
- Infant development and language were assessed at 7, 13, and 26 months corrected age using standardized scales.
- Maternal sensitivity and infant regulatory behaviors were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- While overall infant development normalized by 26 months corrected age, expressive and receptive language skills showed average delays of 3 to 5 months.
- Factors such as hospital stay duration, birth weight, Apgar scores, infant irritability, state regulation at discharge, and maternal sensitivity influenced language outcomes.
- Maternal sensitivity demonstrated a positive association with improved infant language development.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants are at high risk for delayed language development.
- Enhancing maternal sensitivity is a critical nursing intervention to promote better language outcomes in preterm infants.
- Nurses play a vital role in educating and supporting mothers to foster sensitive caregiving practices.
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