Interrupted Infantile Apnea: Impact on Early Development, Temperament, and Maternal Stress

Abstract

The early cognitive and motor development and temperament characteristics of 25 infants with interrupted infantile apnea and the degree and source of stress experienced by their mothers were compared to the same dimensions in a sample of 25 control infants and their mothers. No significant differences in development or temperament were found between apneic and control infants with the following exceptions. Contrary to previous research, apneic infants were perceived as more active during sleep. In addition, apneic infants were perceived by their mothers as less "acceptable" than were control infants, contributing to increased stress. There were no significant differences on maternal characteristics contributing to stress with the exception of the high degree of social isolation experienced by the mothers of apneic infants. The findings suggest that, although there were apparently no present developmental ramifications of the apnea, these infants are at risk for being perceived more negatively. In addition, continued support services are needed to alleviate the social isolation experienced by the families of these infants.