Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 M.Sc. in Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rofaydeh Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: The healthy development of a child significantly depends on parent-child attachment. Abnormal sensory processing in children, which is common in early childhood, can influence parent-child interactions and attachment, potentially affecting the child’s development. Examining these sensory patterns early can help manage them and prevent future issues in relationships and development. This study focuses on the predictive role of sensory processing patterns in children (7–36 months) on parent-child attachment.
Method: This research is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2024 in Tehran. A total of 175 parents of children aged 7 to 36 months completed the demographic questionnaires, Sensory Profile-2, and Parent-to-Infant Attachment questionnaire during a single time frame. The questionnaires were self-reported, and an occupational therapist familiar with sensory processing concepts supervised the completion process and answered participants' questions. The collected data were then entered into SPSS software version 24 for statistical analysis.
Result: The results indicated that the four sensory processing patterns (sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and sensory registration) have a significant relationship with parent-child attachment and can serve as predictors of the quality of parent-child attachment. However, the direction of this relationship varies across different sensory processing patterns.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding and recognizing sensory processing patterns in early childhood to improve the quality of parent-child attachment and promote healthy child development. It also suggests incorporating sensory processing patterns into various therapeutic protocols to enhance growth during early childhood.
Keywords
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