The Association of Maternal Sensitivity with Subsequent Cognition and Language among Children Born Preterm: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis | Synapse
February 11, 2026The Journal of Pediatrics0 citationsOpen Access
The Association of Maternal Sensitivity with Subsequent Cognition and Language among Children Born Preterm: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between maternal sensitivity and cognitive and language outcomes in children born preterm.
Conducted a meta-analysis using individual participant data from multiple studies.
Focused on children born preterm, particularly those with lower gestational ages.
Analyzed the correlation between maternal sensitivity and children's cognitive and language scores.
High maternal sensitivity is linked to better cognitive outcomes in preterm children.
Stronger effects are observed in children born at lower gestational ages.
Language functioning also improves with increased maternal sensitivity.
Abstract
High maternal sensitivity is a potential protective factor for cognitive and language functioning for children born preterm, especially among those born at lower gestational ages.