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Attachment disorganization among children in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Preliminary results

Marie-Hélène Pennestri1, Hélène Gaudreau1, Andrée-Anne Bouvette-Turcot1

  • 1Ludmer Center for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Hôpital Douglas, Projet MAVAN, Bureau E-4107, 6875 Boulevard Lsalle, Verdun H4H 1R3, Canada.

Early Human Development
|August 12, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) face a significantly higher risk of developing disorganized attachment by age three. Early intervention and parental support are crucial for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Preterm infants exhibit higher rates of attachment insecurity.
  • This study examines attachment security in full-term infants with and without Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stays.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare attachment security in full-term infants based on NICU admission.
  • To identify factors associated with attachment outcomes in infants requiring specialized neonatal care.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study (MAVAN) of 162 mother-child dyads.
  • Attachment security assessed at 36 months using the Strange Situation Procedure.
  • Covariates included SES, maternal mood, infant health, and delivery complications.

Main Results:

  • NICU infants showed higher rates of disorganized attachment (47.8%) compared to non-NICU infants (20.1%).
  • NICU admission was associated with a 6.1-fold increased odds of developing disorganized attachment.
  • NICU group had lower Apgar scores and more respiratory infections.

Conclusions:

  • NICU admission significantly increases the risk of disorganized attachment in full-term infants.
  • Emphasizes the importance of parental support and contact during NICU stays and post-discharge.
  • Highlights the need for targeted interventions for infants with NICU experience.
Abstract

Keywords:
AttachmentChild developmentNeonatal Intensive Care UnitNeonate

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