Impact of Prematurity and Maternal Bonding on Sensory Processing at 12 Months

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? Preterm infants showed weaker sensory processing skills—particularly in tactile and vestibular domains—compared with term peers. Weaker mother-to-infant bonding at 4 months was independently associated with poorer sensory processing outcomes at 12 months. What is the implication of the main finding? Early screening and support for mother–infant bonding may help prevent or mitigate sensory processing difficulties in preterm infants. Targeted, family-centered interventions focusing on tactile and vestibular stimulation could improve developmental outcomes in this high-risk population. Background/Objectives: This study examined the relationship between sensory processing skills, mother–infant bonding, and prematurity in 12-month-old infants. Methods: Twenty-two preterm infants with gestational age < 34 weeks and 20 term infants were included in the study. At four months, mothers evaluated their bonding with infants using the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). At the age of 12 months, the sensory processing skills of infants were assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI). Results: MIBS scores were significantly higher in the preterm group compared to the term group (p < 0.01). TSFI total scores and subdomains (tactile deep pressure, adaptive motor function, and vestibular stimulation) were significantly lower in preterm infants (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Multiple linear regression revealed that each one-point increase in bonding score (weaker bonding) was associated with a −0.65 decrease in the TSFI total score, a −0.61 decrease in tactile deep pressure, and a −0.63 decrease in vestibular stimulation scores, independent of gestational age. Conclusions: This study concluded that mother-to-infant bonding is associated with sensory processing skills, especially in the vestibular and tactile domains. Additionally, prematurity was found to be related to sensory processing.