Relational "Dance" Between Mother and Moderately Preterm Infant at 6 and 9 Months of Correct Age: Possible Risk and Protective Factors

Background/Objectives: This study explores the characteristics of the early mother-infant relationship in a sample of 30 mother-preterm infant dyads between 6 and 9 months, using a phenomenological observational tool called "Dance Steps". This tool examines the configuration and reciprocity of mother-infant interactions. The study also investigates how sociodemographic factors and maternal functioning variables, such as postnatal depression and perceived social support, may serve as risk or protective factors in the development of these interaction "Steps". Methods: Observations were conducted through video recordings of face-to-face caregiver-infant interactions during unstructured play sessions at neonatal follow-up visits. The data focused on identifying specific characteristics of reciprocity in the "dance steps". Results: The results reveal certain features of reciprocity are stable over time, demonstrating synchronicity and attunement in many of the "dance steps". Other "steps" evolve in response to the child's developing competence. Sociodemographic factors, particularly the mother's educational level and the infant's sex, significantly influence the "Dance". Postnatal depression negatively affected reciprocity in several steps, especially impacting the infant, whereas perceived social support had a lesser effect. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of supporting mothers of preterm infants to adjust their interactions in ways that promote the child's developmental competence. This support is essential for fostering physical and emotional closeness during critical developmental transitions.