Infant age, context, and family system influences on the interactive behavior of mothers of infants with mental delay

Author(s): Engelhardt, K. F., Steinmann, M. F., Kane, J.

Journal/Book: Res Nurs Health. 1997; 20: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 39-50.

Abstract: Interactive behavior of 30 mothers of infants with mental delay and 30 comparison mothers and infants was examined in relation to child age (first and second year), context (feeding versus teaching), maternal characteristics (family stress, coping resources), and family social system (maternal education). Groups were compared from two perspectives: with infants matched on mental age (9 and 19 months MA), and on chronological age (8 and 18 months CA). Study mothers scored lower than comparison mothers during teaching but not during feeding in year 1 with both MA and CA match, but only with the CA match in year 2. Study infants scored lower than comparison infants in both contexts in year 1, but not in year 2. Groups did not differ on maternal or family measures. In year 1, group status, coping, and maternal education were predictive of mother interaction. In year 2, only maternal education was predictive. Results confirm the importance of type of match, context, and family system variables in understanding effects of child mental delay on maternal interactive behavior.

Note: Article Becker PT, Univ Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison,WI 53792 USA

Keyword(s): developmental delay; developmental handicap; mental delay; mother-infant interaction; parental stress; parental coping; special needs; DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES; HANDICAPPED INFANTS; CHILD INTERACTIONS; COGNITIVE-DEVELOPMENT; RETARDED-CHILDREN; DOWN-SYNDROME; STRESS; RESOURCES; ATTACHMENT

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