Home environments of developmentally disabled infants as a function of parent and infant characteristics

Abstract

Variables from three categories were inspected as correlates of HOME Inventory ratings for 43 severe perinatal risk or developmentally disabled infants at 8 to 9 months post-expected date of delivery. These variables were maternal perceptions of the infant's temperament, maternal self-reported mood, and interactional characteristics of the infant as rated by a home observer. Stepwise regression analysis of HOME total scores showed that infants who were viewed by their mothers as more active and by the observer as less irritable were particularly likely to experience more optimal developmental practices in the home. Significant predictors in regression equations for various of the HOME subscales were: maternal ratings of the infant's mood, approach, adaptability, and rhythmicity; maternal self-reported depression, tension, and confusion; and infant pleasure in physical contact. The finding that homes of fathers with high occupational status were rated lower on Maternal Involvement and Emotional and Verbal Responsivity of the Mother is inconsistent with results of studies of the homes of developmentally normal children.