Mental health articles

Risk and protective factors It is well known that premature and very sick infants are at risk for developmental problems (Bennett, 1988). Most studies initially focused on neurological and cognitive outcomes, although some studies have also included behavioural outcomes (see Minde, 2000, for studies). More recently, studies have included emotional development and mother–infant relationship in outcomes (Veddovi, Gibson, Kenny, Bowen & Starte, 2004; Wolke, 1998). Other factors that may have an impact on the outcome for a premature infant include: • the amount of separation of infant and parent while in the hospital • the opportunity the parents have had for talking through the pregnancy, birth and hospitalisation experience • the neurological impairment of the infant • the parents’ perceptions of this baby—the pregnancy and birth • the couple’s relationship • family support • knowledge of infant development, in particular, development of premature infants • the parents’ capacity to read their baby’s cues.

Tags: infant, premature