Date of Award

Spring 1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Program/Concentration

Psychology

Committee Director

Michelle L. Kelley

Committee Member

Raymond H. Kirby

Committee Member

Louis Janda

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.P65S55

Abstract

The influence of infant attractiveness and temperament on maternal sensitivity is important to examine in infants born prematurely because many characteristics associated with prematurity, such as postnatal cranial molding, may negatively impact maternal response. The present study investigated maternal perceptions of preterm infant development, attractiveness, age, and temperament, and examined the influence of attractiveness and temperament on maternal sensitivity. Twenty-nine mothers of preterms completed questionnaires on infant behavior, development, temperament, rated photographs for attractiveness and age, and were videotaped with their infant to measure maternal sensitivity according to CARE-Index procedures (Crittenden, 1988). Results indicated that mothers have more negative expectancies for preterm infants' behavior and development. Preterm infants with postnatal cranial molding are judged to be the least attractive group of infants and attractiveness ratings made by college-mothers successfully predicted maternal sensitivity in their behavioral interactions with infants.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/d73a-m940

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