Evaluating associations between maternal social support and cognitive development for infants in poverty
Britt Singletary1, Randi Bates2, Laura Justice1
1Crane Center for Early Childhood Research & Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
Infant Behavior & Development
|February 26, 2021
Summary
Maternal social support did not significantly correlate with cognitive development in infants living in poverty. This study examined 113 infants, finding no link between support networks and early cognitive skills.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant cognitive development is crucial for long-term outcomes.
- Maternal social support is a potential influencing factor.
- Limited research exists on this relationship for infants in poverty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal social support and cognitive development in infants from low-income families.
- To examine if support from various sources (fathers, family, friends, community) impacts infant cognition.
Main Methods:
- Study included 113 infants aged 9-12 months living in poverty.
- Infant cognition assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition.
- Maternal perceived social support and demographic factors (maternal race, infant sex) were recorded.
Main Results:
- Linear regression analysis was performed to assess relationships.
- No statistically significant association was found between overall maternal social support and infant cognitive scores.
- Specific sources of support were not significantly linked to cognitive development in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Maternal social support, as measured, was not significantly associated with infant cognitive development in this sample of infants living in poverty.
- Further research with larger, diverse populations may be needed to explore potential nuanced relationships.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions for cognitive development in vulnerable infant populations.
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