The main aim of my research study is to test if massage therapy administered by mothers to their new-born infants results in lower levels of postnatal depression and improved attachment in mothers and subsequent improved developmental outcomes at four months compared to mothers and infants who were not exposed to massage therapy during this period in early childhood. I will do this by analysing data from a randomised control trial. The randomised control trial BabySMART is examining the effect of massage, delivered by the mother according to a structured programme following training, on postnatal depression, maternal attachment and on subsequent neurodevelopment. I will be using secondary data from this randomised control trial. All mothers were asked to complete a maternal attachment questionnaire at 2 weeks and an Edinburgh Post Natal Depression questionnaire. All infants were assessed for their developmental progress at four months using the revised Griffith’s Scales (Version III). Progress is assessed across different areas including: foundations of learning, language and communication, eye coordination, hand coordination, personal-social-emotional in addition to gross motor skills. Foundations of learning will assess critical aspects of early childhood learning. Language and Communication will measure overall language development and ability to communicate with others. Eye and Hand coordination will assess fine motor skills, manual dexterity and visual perception. Personal – Social – Emotional measures the child’s developing sense of self and growing independence. Gross Motor will measure postural control, balance and body coordination.
