PURPOSE: To examine the relationship among infant temperament, maternal background, social support, confidence, and mother-infant interaction in a low socieconomic status population. METHOD: Interaction between 49 premature infants and their mothers was assessed longitudinally at ages 4 months and 8 months using feeding and play scales. Social support, maternal confidence, and infant temperament were also assessed by questionnaires given to the mother. RESULTS: At 4 months, mother-child interaction was significantly correlated with length of hospitalization, birthweight, temperament, and social support. At 8 months, only temperament and social support were correlated with mother-infant interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts should be focused on early assessment of mother's perceptions of their infants. Support systems should be evaluated prior to discharge.
PURPOSE: To examine the relationship among infant temperament, maternal background, social support, confidence, and mother-infant interaction in a low socieconomic status population. METHOD: Interaction between 49 premature infants and their mothers was assessed longitudinally at ages 4 months and 8 months using feeding and play scales. Social support, maternal confidence, and infant temperament were also assessed by questionnaires given to the mother. RESULTS: At 4 months, mother-child interaction was significantly correlated with length of hospitalization, birthweight, temperament, and social support. At 8 months, only temperament and social support were correlated with mother-infant interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts should be focused on early assessment of mother's perceptions of their infants. Support systems should be evaluated prior to discharge.