A pilot study on early interactions and its relationship with high-risk infant’s development

Abstract

The characteristics of early interactions are fundamental during the first three years of the child, as these early experiences may affect child´s growth, development and behavior. High-risk infants have a high-risk of sequelae, especially those with a history of premature birth, low birth weight, neonatal pathologies and important psychosocial problems. This pilot study aimed to determine whether the mother-child interactions during the first 12 months of corrected age affect the development achieved by high-risk infants. Interactions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were observed using an Observational Scale (N-EOV-INC) and the Scale of observation of mother-child bond was used for observations at the follow-up Office. We observed 36 dyads during the children first 12 months of corrected age. The results show that the highest percentage of infants with difficulties in development belonged to the “Mismatch” Type of mother-infant bond. Our tentative findings suggest a relation between mother–infant type of bond and child development. Our study represents a first attempt to explore the different ways of bonding between mothers and their high-risk infant, and the incidence these may have on the psychomotor and cognitive development of infants.