Maternal sensitivity and behavioral outcomes for young children with developmental delay

Children with developmental delay are at increased risk for behavior problems, but little is known about risk and resilience factors. Most research has focused on the role of child factors (e.g., degree of delay and temperament) and family/parent factors (e.g., levels of stress) in the development of problem behaviors, while little research has focused on concepts such as attachment and maternal sensitivity. Parents of children with developmental delay are faced with many unique challenges that may impact parent-child interaction and attachment, and previous research has established links between maternal sensitivity and behavior problems in typically developing children. Early research has suggested that the association between attachment and maternal sensitivity is similar in children with developmental delay and typically developing children and that mothers of children with developmental delay may be less sensitive than mothers of typically developing children. The one study that has been conducted on maternal sensitivity and behavior problems in young children with developmental delay suggests that infants with developmental delay with less sensitive mothers may be at increased risk for problem behaviors and that maternal sensitivity may be a protective factor for these children. Further research into the relation between maternal sensitivity and behavior problems in young children with developmental delay could be helpful to understanding the development of problem behaviors in this population and establishing appropriate early interventions. © 2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.