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Early behaviour, development and parenting in a very low birthweight infant group
B J English1, T S Parry, M Donovan
1Child Development Centre, Health Department of Western Australia, Perth.
Australian Paediatric Journal
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Very low birthweight infants showed poorer behavior and development scores at 12 months. However, their mother-infant interactions and parenting were comparable to normal birthweight infants, suggesting focused developmental support is key.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neonatal Care
- Maternal-Infant Interaction
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants often face developmental challenges.
- Early mother-infant interaction and parenting are crucial for infant development.
- Previous research suggests interactional problems may resolve with adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare behavior, development, mother-infant interaction, and parenting in VLBW infants versus normal birthweight infants at 12 months corrected age.
- To determine if VLBW infants exhibit only developmental differences, compounded issues, or interactional problems despite normal development.
- To examine the role of mother-infant adaptation in resolving early interactional difficulties.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 37 mothers and their VLBW infants, matched with term infants of normal birthweight and their mothers.
- Data collection at 12 months corrected age included infant behavior and development assessments.
- Mother-infant interaction during free play and parenting behaviors indicative of child-centered care were observed and analyzed.
Main Results:
- VLBW infants scored significantly poorer on measures of behavior and development compared to the normal birthweight group.
- No significant differences were found in mother-infant interaction or parenting behaviors between the two groups.
- Findings suggest developmental deficits in VLBW infants, without concurrent interactional or parenting disturbances.
Conclusions:
- VLBW infants' primary challenges at 12 months corrected age lie in behavior and development, not necessarily in mother-infant interaction or parenting.
- The study challenges the notion that interactional problems universally resolve, highlighting the need for joint consideration of developmental and interactive factors.
- Early intervention strategies should address both developmental deficits and potential interactive failures in VLBW infants for optimal outcomes.