Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The effect on father-infant interaction of demonstrating the neonatal behavioral assessment scale
Insights
Observing the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale improved the quality of father-infant interactions. This intervention positively impacted paternal involvement and perceptions of infant difficultness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Paternal involvement is crucial for infant development.
- Prenatal education aims to enhance parental preparedness.
- Early father-infant bonding influences long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of observing the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) on first-time fathers' interactions with their infants.
- To assess the impact of BNBAS observation on paternal attitudes toward infant caretaking.
- To evaluate changes in fathers' perceptions of infant difficultness.
Main Methods:
- Forty-four first-time fathers were randomly assigned to an experimental group (BNBAS observation) or a control group.
- Father-infant interactions were videotaped and analyzed at eight weeks postpartum.
- Paternal attitudes and infant perceptions were measured via self-report questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in the quality, not quantity, of father-infant interactions.
- Fathers in the experimental group showed improved interaction quality.
- A significant difference was observed in one measure of infant difficultness: unpredictability.
Conclusions:
- Observing the BNBAS can enhance the quality of early father-infant interactions.
- This intervention may positively influence paternal engagement and reduce perceived infant unpredictability.
- Early paternal exposure to neonatal assessments can be beneficial for father-infant bonding.
Abstract:
Forty-four first-time fathers who had attended prenatal classes and were present during labor and delivery of their healthy infants were divided randomly into an experimental group of 22 who observed the Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale performed on their 2- to 3-day-old infants, or into a control group of 22 who did not receive this intervention. Paternal involvement in, and attitudes toward, infant caretaking and ratings of infant difficultness were compared in the two groups. Father-infant interaction was measured by two-minute videotape analysis at eight weeks postpartum. Paternal attitudes, caretaking activities, and perceptions of their infants were measured by questionnaire self-reports. There were significant differences in the quality, but not quantity, of father-infant interactions, and in one of four measures of infant difficultness (unpredictability) between the two groups.
