DISCRIMINANT FACIAL FEATURES OF PRETERM AND FULL-TERM INFANTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ADULT PERCEPTIONS OF INFANT CHARACTERISTICS

BRUCE MICHAEL HALPIN, Purdue University

Abstract

Previous theorists have argued that parent-infant interaction is regulated through a mutual exchange of information. The physical characteristics, in particular the facial features, of the infant form one source of information that may serve to draw attention to the status and needs of the infant. The existing literature also indicates that preterm infants may be at-risk for the development of disturbed patterns of interaction, suggesting that they may have physical characteristics that are different from those of full-term infants and that are accompanied by a diminished capacity to elicit adult approach and caretaking behavior. The present study used infant discharge photographs to examine the facial features that discriminate between preterm and full-term infants and to explore the relationship of the facial features to adult perceptions of infant cuteness, cuddliness, attractiveness, and irritability. Thirteen feature measurements were obtained for 20 faces from each of four infant groups: white preterm and full-term infants, and black preterm and full-term infants. The 40 infants of the white subsample were then rated by 50 male and 50 female college students. The results showed that the preterm infants had narrower faces below the level of the eyes and narrower central face features than the full-term infants. The faces of the black and white infants also differed, but no identifiable pattern of differences emerged. Discriminant analysis of the white subsample supported the emphasis upon the width dimension variables in differentiating the preterm from the full-term infants. The preterm infants were rated as less irritable than the full-term infants, but no differences were found for the other characteristics. Among the preterm group, those infants with narrower faces and features tended to be rated as cuter and more attractive than those infants with wider faces. In general, the results for the preterm infants were more consistent with expected findings than were those for the full-term infants. The results were discussed from a developmental, ethological perspective, with special attention focused on the potential implications for the parent-infant interaction of the preterm infant.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

COinS