Effect of early intervention on social interaction between mothers and preterm infants at 12 months of age: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract In a randomized controlled trial at 12-months of age, the effect of the Mother Infant Transaction Program was tested on social interaction between mothers and moderately and late preterm infants with gestational age ≥ 30.0 and sensitivity/responsiveness ( p  = .05). Being a first-time mother was a moderator that enhanced the effects of the intervention. First-time mothers were more sensitive/responsive to their infant's cues ( p  = .01), and the dyads evinced higher level of synchrony ( p  = .02) as compared with experienced mothers. More positive mood was observed among their infants ( p  = .04). The findings suggest that the intervention contributes to better mother–infant interactions in moderately and late preterm infants of first-time mothers .