Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative case study using secondary data on four mothers with premature infants in a home visitation intervention group. Three data points were collected on each mother and infant: the health of the infant, the quality of attachment as seen in play interactions, and maternal life circumstances such as depression, social support and use of community resources. The data was looked at prenatally up until the infants were 15 months old. The results indicated that all four infants were relatively healthy across the first year of their lives. Three out of the four mothers had a secure attachment with their premature infants at 12 months of age and one mother was at risk for an insecure attachment. All four mothers demonstrated some positive play interactions; however, one mother in particular demonstrated low involvement. Of the four mothers, one was highly depressed, and the other three mothers were minimally to moderately depressed. The four mothers were also in a marital or partner relationship, and all reported satisfaction in their support systems as well as very similar uses of community resources. The results of this study can be used to assist Home Visitors in understanding the need to help mothers improve their interactions with their premature infants and to encourage the Home Visitors to refer the mothers who show any signs of depression.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2013

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Culp, Anne

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Education and Human Performance

Department

Teaching, Learning and Leadership

Degree Program

Teaching, Learning and Leadership

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Education; Education -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004527

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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