Infant massage: A strategy to promote self-efficacy in parents of blind infants

Abstract

For successful communication to exist between a caregiver and infant, the caregiver must feel confident about her/his ability to parent and also have specific and accurate knowledge about the behaviours required for optimal care-giving; lack of this knowledge may lead to feelings of uncertainty and less than optimal communication. Studies indicate that the highest levels of caregiver distress were experienced by caregivers who had low feelings of self-efficacy and infants with functional limitations. Many caregivers of blind infants have high levels of distress and low selfefficacy due to lack of information, resources, and support. Research indicates that a majority of care givers of atypically developing infants are able to ‘bring the best’ to their infants when appropriately supported by a professional or intervention. Infant massage is an inexpensive and easily utilized intervention which may help increase caregiver self-efficacy and promote sensitive communication in dyads where the infant is blind.