Premature Infant Attractiveness and Temperament in the Prediction of Maternal Sensitivity

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.