Work

Mother-infant interactions in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy compared to a low-risk group: A longitudinal study of the first 15 months

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To examine group differences and longitudinal trajectories in mother-infant interactions following an interim clinical diagnosis of high risk of CP up to 15 months corrected age. This prospective observational study followed infants born in Denmark with ( n = 23) or without ( n = 36) identified high risk of cerebral palsy and their parents over time. Mother-infant interactions were assessed at 15 weeks, 9 months, and 15 months using the Coding Interactive Behavior manual. Group differences and trajectories in mother-infant interactions were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with bootstrapping to obtain robust estimates At 15 weeks (T1), the high-risk CP group differed significantly from the comparison group on all observed interactional dimensions, showing lower levels of maternal acknowledging ( b = −0.93, p < .001), infant social initiation ( b = −0.54, p = .007), and dyadic reciprocity ( b = −0.58, p = .041), and higher levels of maternal intrusiveness ( b = 1.04, p < .001) and dyadic constriction ( b = 0.73, p = .018). While differences in maternal acknowledging and dyadic reciprocity were only present at 15 weeks, maternal intrusiveness and infant social initiation differences were present at 15 weeks and 15 months. Dyadic constriction differences were present across all time points. Early differences in mother-infant interaction between dyads with and without infant CP risk underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to read and respond to subtle infant cues. Supporting the parent–infant relationship from early infancy might enhance the effectiveness of early intervention and promote more optimal socio-emotional development. • Infants at high risk of cerebral palsy show lower social initiation across infancy. • Mothers of high-risk infants display more intrusive behavior than comparison mothers. • Dyadic interactions in CP-risk dyads are more constricted from 15 weeks to 15 months. • Differences in interactional patterns persist despite early neurorehabilitation. • Early support should focus on enhancing infant signals and mutual engagement.

Source: Research in Developmental Disabilities

DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105131

Authors: Julie Enkebølle Hansen, Carlo Schuengel, Agnes Willemen, Anne Stuart, Mette Skovgaard Væver, Katrine Røhder

Institutions: University of Copenhagen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Southern Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,040