Journal article
Associations Between Maternal-Foetal Attachment and Infant Developmental Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Maternal and Child Health Journal, Vol.21(3), pp.540-553
2017
PMID: 27456309
Abstract
Objectives: Infant developmental outcomes may be influenced by a range of prenatal maternal characteristics. While there is some evidence to suggest that maternal-foetal attachment may be associated with infant developmental outcomes, there is a need to systematically review this evidence to guide future research and clinical practice. Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically scanned. Key journals and reference lists were hand-searched. Papers were included if: (1) pregnant women were assessed for maternal-foetal attachment; (2) the infants were later assessed, under 2 years old, for any developmental outcome (e.g., social-emotional, cognition, motor, language, adaptive behaviour); and (3) they were published in English. Two independent reviewers used the STROBE checklist to appraise the quality of each paper. Results: Of the 968 papers identified, eight were included in the review, and four of these were of low quality (<60 %) based on the STROBE. The developmental domains that were examined included: infant temperament (n = 5), adaptive behaviour (e.g., colic, sleep) (n = 2), and milestone attainment (n = 1). There is some evidence to suggest that lower maternal-foetal attachment is related to suboptimal developmental outcomes. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited and low quality studies available. Conclusions: Although maternal-foetal attachment may be associated with infant developmental outcomes, future research is required which: (1) considers a range of developmental outcomes, (2) has increased scientific rigour, (3) assesses mother-infant dyads at different prenatal and postnatal time points, and (4) examines different target populations.
Details
- Title
- Associations Between Maternal-Foetal Attachment and Infant Developmental Outcomes: A Systematic Review
- Authors
- Grace Branjerdporn (Author) - University of QueenslandPamela Meredith (Author) - University of QueenslandJenny Strong (Author) - University of QueenslandJenniffer Garcia (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Maternal and Child Health Journal, Vol.21(3), pp.540-553
- Publisher
- Springer New York LLC
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10995-016-2138-2
- ISSN
- 1573-6628
- PMID
- 27456309
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99568006702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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