Degree of Special Needs Training and the Effect of Prematurity Labeling

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Abstract
Current research suggests that the prematurity label influences adult attitudes toward the infant The present investigation examined the attitudes of professionals in-training The sample included three groups with either an extensive, moderate, or minimal degree of training to work with infants and children who have special needs A total of 52 subjects viewed a videotape of infants labeled full-term or preterm and male or female and completed a 26-item questionnaire for rating the infants Principal findings were (1) there was no significant effect in the ratings of the three groups for cognitive competency, physical potency, or sociability in rating the infants, (2) those with extensive training rated the infants as more awake irrespective of birth status, (3) individuals with moderate and minimal training rated labeled premature infants as more cuddly, (4) all groups rated premature infants as less physically attractive and (5) minimally trained subjects rated premature infants as more likeable Implications are presented regarding the role of practitioners who work with at-risk children and their families.

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