Joint Attention in Late Preterm Infants: Developmental Trajectory and Contribution of Maternal Interaction

Less is known about the development of joint attention in late preterm infants (34 - < 37 weeks of complete gestation). We aimed to examine the effect of late prematurity on the developmental trajectory of joint attention and to investigate whether maternal interactive style could moderate a possible detrimental effect of prematurity on the ability. Participants were 43 late preterm and 29 full-term infants, assessed at 12- and 15-month uncorrected chronological age, and their mothers. Both groups responded more to joint attention over time; however, late preterm infants presented significantly lower levels at both time points. Furthermore, late preterm and full-term infants seemed to display different initiating joint attention trajectories from 12 to 15 months. Maternal behaviors did not influence joint attention nor moderate the effect of prematurity. Results suggest that late prematurity may have a differential impact on distinct behavioral dimensions of joint attention, potentially reflecting the specific mental processes involved in RJA and IJA.