The Effects of Meridian Massage on Behavioral State of Infants, Mothering Role Satisfaction and Mother-Infant Attachment

Cho, Kyoul Ja; Lee, Myung Hee; Ji, Eun Sun

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was to develop a nursing intervention for infants nursing. Meridian massage and to investigate its effects on the behavioral state of the infants, mothering role satisfaction and mother-infant attachment. METHOD: This study was conducted using a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design in quasi experimental basis. Infants and mothers from Y health center were selected for the experimental group(17) and control group(14). Data were collected from August 11, 2005 to February 24, 2006. Infants in the experimental group were given Meridian massage education and practice for 50min three times a week for 3 weeks.
RESULTS
For behavioral state, when inactive infants in the experimental group showed a statistical significant difference by being in a greater state of alert as compared to the control group. The attachment of mother and infant was significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group. Satisfaction with mothering role was significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group.
CONCLUSION
Meridian massage is an effective nursing intervention to improve positive behavioral state in infants and also in maternal-infant interaction.