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Prematurity stereotyping: effects on mother-infant interaction.
Child Development
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Mothers treated infants labeled premature less favorably, showing fewer positive interactions. This study highlights how prematurity stereotypes impact caregiver behavior and infant perception.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The self-fulfilling prophecy can influence caregiving environments.
- Stereotypes about prematurity may affect interactions with infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of prematurity labels on mother-infant interactions.
- To examine cognitive and behavioral reactions to infants based on perceived prematurity.
Main Methods:
- 27 mothers interacted with unfamiliar infants labeled as full-term or premature.
- Cognitive and behavioral reactions were assessed during these interactions.
- Videotapes of interactions were later observed by college students.
Main Results:
- Infants labeled premature received less physical contact and less mature toys.
- Labeled premature infants were rated as smaller, less cute, and liked less.
- Infants labeled premature exhibited less activity during interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the existence of a prematurity stereotype.
- Expectations associated with prematurity labels significantly influence perceptions and behavior.
- Stereotypes can negatively impact the caregiving environment for infants.