Thesis (M.Sc. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The focus of the study is on the effect of massage on an infant's stress level, development and the emotional bond between the infant and the mother. Eight mother-infants dyads were recruited and the infants were between the ages of 3 to 9 months. The dyads were paired to ensure similarity of the groups and divided into an experimental and control group. The research made use of a multi-method, pre and post-test design. The measures used during the pre and post-testing included a biographical questionnaire, the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Parenting Stress Index and the Mother-to-lnfant Bonding Scale. Personal interviews were conducted with each mother as part of the post-test procedures. Saliva samples from every mother and infant were retrieved on three separate occasions to determine cortisol levels before, during and after the intervention. The experimental group's mothers received training to perform infant massage and were requested to massage their infants at least four times a week for the duration of four months. The data was processed by the Statistical Consultation Service of the Northwest University at Potchefstroom. The non-parametric test, Mann-Whitney U Test, was used to determine any statistical and/or practical significant differences between the experimental and control group before and after implementation of the intervention. The non-parametric test, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank T-Test, was used to determine the differences within both the experimental and control group. Friedman's ANOVA was used to determine the changes within the groups regarding cortisol levels. As the sample size for this study is small and the possibility of determining statistical significance was slight, the effect sizes were considered for this study. The study had six aims. The first aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the infants' stress levels as measured through cortisol. No statistical significance could be found and the results revealed that the experimental group's infants' stress levels did not decrease. The second aim investigated the effect of infant massage on the mothers' stress levels as measured on the Parenting Stress Index and cortisol levels. No statistical significance could be determined but practical significant differences on the Parenting Stress Index indicated decreased maternal stress levels in the experimental group. These results differ from the cortisol levels that revealed the experimental group's mothers to experience higher levels of stress. The third aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the bond between mother and infant and found that the bond improved due to the intervention. The fourth aim investigated the effect of massage on the infants' development and although no statistical significance could be determined, practical significance could be found, indicating improvements on the motor scales for the experimental group. The fifth aim explored the mothers' subjective experience of infant massage as reported through qualitative measures. The sixth aim compared the mothers as participants' experience of infant massage as reported through quantitative measures and through qualitative measures. Strengths of the study included making use of a multi-method design and following a multi-disciplinary approach. Limitations of the study included a small sample size, the participants' restricted background and difficulty to ensure that the participants comply with the instructions for sampling saliva. Based on the results from the study, it can be concluded that infant massage have an effect on the mother-infant relationship, the mothers' subjective view of their stress levels and specified areas of the infants' development. According to the results from this study infant massage did not have an effect on the infants and mothers' stress levels as measured through cortisol. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The focus of the study is on the effect of massage on an infant's stress level, development and the emotional bond between the infant and the mother. Eight mother-infants dyads were recruited and the infants were between the ages of 3 to 9 months. The dyads were paired to ensure similarity of the groups and divided into an experimental and control group. The research made use of a multi-method, pre and post-test design. The measures used during the pre and post-testing included a biographical questionnaire, the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Parenting Stress Index and the Mother-to-lnfant Bonding Scale. Personal interviews were conducted with each mother as part of the post-test procedures. Saliva samples from every mother and infant were retrieved on three separate occasions to determine cortisol levels before, during and after the intervention. The experimental group's mothers received training to perform infant massage and were requested to massage their infants at least four times a week for the duration of four months. The data was processed by the Statistical Consultation Service of the Northwest University at Potchefstroom. The non-parametric test, Mann-Whitney U Test, was used to determine any statistical and/or practical significant differences between the experimental and control group before and after implementation of the intervention. The non-parametric test, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank T-Test, was used to determine the differences within both the experimental and control group. Friedman's ANOVA was used to determine the changes within the groups regarding cortisol levels. As the sample size for this study is small and the possibility of determining statistical significance was slight, the effect sizes were considered for this study. The study had six aims. The first aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the infants' stress levels as measured through cortisol. No statistical significance could be found and the results revealed that the experimental group's infants' stress levels did not decrease. The second aim investigated the effect of infant massage on the mothers' stress levels as measured on the Parenting Stress Index and cortisol levels. No statistical significance could be determined but practical significant differences on the Parenting Stress Index indicated decreased maternal stress levels in the experimental group. These results differ from the cortisol levels that revealed the experimental group's mothers to experience higher levels of stress. The third aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the bond between mother and infant and found that the bond improved due to the intervention. The fourth aim investigated the effect of massage on the infants' development and although no statistical significance could be determined, practical significance could be found, indicating improvements on the motor scales for the experimental group. The fifth aim explored the mothers' subjective experience of infant massage as reported through qualitative measures. The sixth aim compared the mothers as participants' experience of infant massage as reported through quantitative measures and through qualitative measures. Strengths of the study included making use of a multi-method design and following a multi-disciplinary approach. Limitations of the study included a small sample size, the participants' restricted background and difficulty to ensure that the participants comply with the instructions for sampling saliva. Based on the results from the study, it can be concluded that infant massage have an effect on the mother-infant relationship, the mothers' subjective view of their stress levels and specified areas of the infants' development. According to the results from this study infant massage did not have an effect on the infants and mothers' stress levels as measured through cortisol. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Description based on contents viewed Oct. 6, 2007; title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-44).

Approximately 200 million people, 5% aged 15-64 worldwide are illicit drug or substance abusers (World Drug Report, 2006). Between 2002 and 2005, an average of 8.2% of 12 year olds and older in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale metropolitan areas used illicit drugs (SAMHSA, 2007). Eight percent of pregnant women, aged 15 to 25, were more likely to have used illicit drugs during pregnancy than pregnant women aged 26 to 44. Alcohol use was 9.8% and cigarette use was 18% for pregnant women aged 15 to 44 (SAMHSA, 2005). Approximately a quarter of annual birth defects are attributed to the exposure of drugs or substance abuse in utero (General Accounting Office, 1991). Physical, psychological and emotional challenges may be present for the illicit drug/substance abuse (ID/SA) mother and infant placing them at a disadvantage early in their relationship (Shonkoff & Marshall, 1990). Mothers with low self efficacy have insecurely attached infants (Donovan, Leavitt, & Walsh, 1987). As the ID/SA mother struggles with wanting to be a good parent, education is needed to help her care for her infant. In this experimental study residential rehabilitating ID/SA mothers peer taught infant massage. Massage builds bonding/attachment between mother and infant (Reese & Storm, 2008) and peer teaching is effective because participants have faced similar challenges and speak the same language (Boud, Cohen, & Sampson 2001). Quantitative data were collected using the General Self-Efficacy and Maternal Attachment Inventory-Revised Scale before and after the 4-week intervention program. A reported result of this study was that empowering ID/SA mothers increased their self-efficacy, which in turn allowed the mothers to tackle challenges encountered and created feelings of being a fit mother to their infants. This research contributes to the existing database promoting evidence-based practice in drug rehabilitation centers. Healthcare personnel, such as nurse educators and maternal-child health practitioners, can develop programs in drug rehabilitation centers that cultivate an environment where the ID/SA rehabilitating mothers can peer teach each other, while creating a support system. Using infant massage as a therapeutic tool can develop a healthy infant and nurture a more positive relationship between mother and infant.

This diploma thesis deals with infant massage and its associated effects. The work has been carried out through a qualitative method through a case study which monitors the close interaction between a child and their parent. The theoretical part contains information about the International Infant Massage Association, whose method of massage we have used to carry out this work. We also focus on the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal period in the research; both in terms of physiological development of the child under one year and in terms of the future mother. As for the mother, we are also concerned with their physical activity during pregnancy and after birth. We explain how important the actual touch is in a massage and discuss how the massage affects the baby and the technique used. The synthetic part contains individual case reports, evaluation. In conclusion, all participating mothers evaluate the IAIM methodology positively.

<p>The overarching purpose of the study was to examine the effects of infant massage and to put these effects in</p><p>context with mother – child attachment. The intention was also to study whether these effects have any relevance</p><p>for social work. This was accomplished by studying earlier research, theory and laws but also through interviews</p><p>with mothers who have followed through a course in infant massage. The main questions of the study was: After</p><p>the completion of the course and after using the massage technique at home, does the mother experience that the</p><p>bond with their child is influenced by the technique and are the mothers more apprehensive of their child’s</p><p>signals? Has the mothers observed any signals from their infants during the massage and if so what has been</p><p>their reaction? Does the mothers experience that the massage has provided any physiological effects? Has the</p><p>completion of the course provided the mothers with knowledge that’s had an effect in their ways of parenting? In</p><p>what way does the earlier research, reports and laws deal with the benefits and risks of a secure or insecure</p><p>attachment, and can the quality of the attachment have any meaning in the social work? A qualitative approach</p><p>was chosen with respondent-interviews. The respondents were mothers, currently living in Örebro who</p><p>completed a course of infant massage with an instructor within International Association of Infant Massage</p><p>(IAIM). All of the mothers experienced positive effects by the massage both within the child as well as</p><p>themselves. Earlier research inclines that touch influences the mother – child attachment through bodily</p><p>chemical processes but also through emotional experiences acquired by the infant. Touch is the first way of</p><p>communicating with the infant, and this is also a way of strengthening attachment. Fogel schneiders (1996)</p><p>conclusion by this is that the contact between caregivers and child is strengthen by infant massage. A secure</p><p>attachment has positive effects for the child which might motivate the usage of attachment-strengthening</p><p>methods, such as infant massage, within social work.</p> / <p>Det övergripande syftet med studien var att undersöka effekter av spädbarnsmassage och att koppla dessa till</p><p>anknytning mellan mor och barn och huruvida dessa effekter kunde ha relevans för socialt arbete. Detta genom</p><p>att studera tidigare forskning, teori, rapporter och lagar samt genom att utföra intervjuer med mödrar som</p><p>genomgått en kurs i spädbarnsmassage. Frågeställningarna var: Upplever mödrarna efter genomgången kurs i</p><p>spädbarnsmassage och praktiserande av metoden att kontakten med barnet har påverkats och att sensitivitet</p><p>inför barnets signaler ökat? Vilka signaler tycker sig mödrarna ha sett hos barnen under spädbarnsmassagen</p><p>och hur har de bemött dessa? Upplever mödrarna att praktiserande av spädbarnsmassage givit fysiologiska</p><p>effekter? Tycker sig mödrarna efter genomgången kurs i spädbarnsmassage ha tillägnat sig kunskaper som</p><p>påverkat dem i föräldrarollen? Vad säger tidigare forskning, teori, rapporter och lagar om vilka förtjänster och</p><p>risker som kan finnas med en stark respektive svag anknytning samt vilken betydelse anknytningens kvalitet kan</p><p>tänkas ha för socialt arbete? En kvalitativ metod valdes och respondentintervjuer genomfördes med mödrar som</p><p>genomfört spädbarnsmassagekurs i Örebro, med en instruktör utbildad i International Association of Infant</p><p>Massages (IAIM:s) metod. Mödrarna kunde alla skönja positiva effekter både hos barnet och hos dem själva</p><p>efter genomgången kurs och praktiserande av metoden. Forskning tyder på att beröring påverkar samspel och</p><p>anknytning mellan omsorgspersonen och barn. Detta dels genom kroppsliga kemiska processer men också</p><p>genom känslomässiga erfarenheter som barnet tillägnat sig. Då beröring ses som ett första sätt att kommunicera</p><p>med barnet och beröring anses stärka anknytningen dras slutsatsen av Fogel Schneider (1996) att kontakten</p><p>mellan omsorgspersoner och barn stärks vid användning av spädbarnsmassage. Stark anknytning har visat på</p><p>positiva effekter hos barn vilket kanske kan motivera till användning av anknytningsstärkande insatser, såsom</p><p>exempelvis spädbarnsmassage, inom socialt arbete.</p>

The overarching purpose of the study was to examine the effects of infant massage and to put these effects in context with mother – child attachment. The intention was also to study whether these effects have any relevance for social work. This was accomplished by studying earlier research, theory and laws but also through interviews with mothers who have followed through a course in infant massage. The main questions of the study was: After the completion of the course and after using the massage technique at home, does the mother experience that the bond with their child is influenced by the technique and are the mothers more apprehensive of their child’s signals? Has the mothers observed any signals from their infants during the massage and if so what has been their reaction? Does the mothers experience that the massage has provided any physiological effects? Has the completion of the course provided the mothers with knowledge that’s had an effect in their ways of parenting? In what way does the earlier research, reports and laws deal with the benefits and risks of a secure or insecure attachment, and can the quality of the attachment have any meaning in the social work? A qualitative approach was chosen with respondent-interviews. The respondents were mothers, currently living in Örebro who completed a course of infant massage with an instructor within International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). All of the mothers experienced positive effects by the massage both within the child as well as themselves. Earlier research inclines that touch influences the mother – child attachment through bodily chemical processes but also through emotional experiences acquired by the infant. Touch is the first way of communicating with the infant, and this is also a way of strengthening attachment. Fogel schneiders (1996) conclusion by this is that the contact between caregivers and child is strengthen by infant massage. A secure attachment has positive effects for the child which might motivate the usage of attachment-strengthening methods, such as infant massage, within social work. / Det övergripande syftet med studien var att undersöka effekter av spädbarnsmassage och att koppla dessa till anknytning mellan mor och barn och huruvida dessa effekter kunde ha relevans för socialt arbete. Detta genom att studera tidigare forskning, teori, rapporter och lagar samt genom att utföra intervjuer med mödrar som genomgått en kurs i spädbarnsmassage. Frågeställningarna var: Upplever mödrarna efter genomgången kurs i spädbarnsmassage och praktiserande av metoden att kontakten med barnet har påverkats och att sensitivitet inför barnets signaler ökat? Vilka signaler tycker sig mödrarna ha sett hos barnen under spädbarnsmassagen och hur har de bemött dessa? Upplever mödrarna att praktiserande av spädbarnsmassage givit fysiologiska effekter? Tycker sig mödrarna efter genomgången kurs i spädbarnsmassage ha tillägnat sig kunskaper som påverkat dem i föräldrarollen? Vad säger tidigare forskning, teori, rapporter och lagar om vilka förtjänster och risker som kan finnas med en stark respektive svag anknytning samt vilken betydelse anknytningens kvalitet kan tänkas ha för socialt arbete? En kvalitativ metod valdes och respondentintervjuer genomfördes med mödrar som genomfört spädbarnsmassagekurs i Örebro, med en instruktör utbildad i International Association of Infant Massages (IAIM:s) metod. Mödrarna kunde alla skönja positiva effekter både hos barnet och hos dem själva efter genomgången kurs och praktiserande av metoden. Forskning tyder på att beröring påverkar samspel och anknytning mellan omsorgspersonen och barn. Detta dels genom kroppsliga kemiska processer men också genom känslomässiga erfarenheter som barnet tillägnat sig. Då beröring ses som ett första sätt att kommunicera med barnet och beröring anses stärka anknytningen dras slutsatsen av Fogel Schneider (1996) att kontakten mellan omsorgspersoner och barn stärks vid användning av spädbarnsmassage. Stark anknytning har visat på positiva effekter hos barn vilket kanske kan motivera till användning av anknytningsstärkande insatser, såsom exempelvis spädbarnsmassage, inom socialt arbete.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009. / Additional advisors: Daniel Marullo, Sylvie Mrug, Marsha Sturdevant, Lynda Wilson. Description based on contents viewed June 5, 2009; title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-52).