The effect of the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program on mother-infant interaction after very preterm birth

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2010 Nov;51(11):1287-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02237.x.

Abstract

Background: Prematurity and perinatal insults lead to increased developmental vulnerability. The home-based Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) was designed to improve development of preterm infants. In a multicenter randomized controlled trial the effect of IBAIP on mother-infant interaction was studied as a secondary outcome.

Method: Mother-infant interaction was assessed during the Still-face procedure at 6 months corrected age. One hundred and twelve mother-infant dyads (57 intervention, 55 control) were studied.

Results: Findings partially supported our hypothesis that the intervention would increase maternal sensitivity in interaction with their preterm infants. No effects were found on infant self-regulatory behavior or positive interaction behavior.

Conclusion: The family-centered and strength-based approach of IBAIP appears to be a promising intervention method to promote sensitive mother-infant interaction at home after discharge from hospital. However, no positive effects were found on infant interaction behavior.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Early Intervention, Educational / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Behavior / psychology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development
  • Infant, Premature / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychomotor Performance