Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 Department of 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: Healthy child development is strongly influenced by the quality of parent–child attachment. Atypical sensory processing, which is common during early childhood, may affect parent–child interactions and attachment, thereby influencing children's developmental outcomes. Early identification of sensory processing patterns may facilitate timely intervention and help prevent subsequent difficulties in relationships and development. This study aimed to examine the predictive value of children's sensory processing patterns for parent–child attachment in children aged 7–36 months.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2024. A total of 175 parents of children aged 7–36 months completed a demographic questionnaire, the Sensory Profile 2, and the Parent-to-Infant Attachment Questionnaire. All questionnaires were completed during a single assessment session. The questionnaires were self-administered under the supervision of an occupational therapist familiar with sensory processing concepts, who was available to answer participants' questions. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Results: The findings indicated that all four sensory processing patterns—sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and sensory registration—were significantly associated with parent–child attachment and could predict its quality. However, the direction of these associations differed across the four sensory processing patterns.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding sensory processing patterns during early childhood to improve the quality of parent–child attachment and promote healthy child development. It also suggests incorporating the assessment of sensory processing patterns into therapeutic protocols to support optimal developmental outcomes during early childhood.
Keywords
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