NCJ Number
159854
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Because a lack of bonding between parents and children is a major risk factor for child abuse and bonding is often difficult for parents who abuse drugs, especially if their babies are also born addicted, infant massage therapy may be an effective way to prevent child abuse and help addicts become effective parents.
Abstract
Children first experience the world through touch. If they are often left isolated and held rigidly or with anger and impatience, they will probably begin to build walls around themselves to keep from feeling the pain of not being wanted or accepted. Drug and alcohol abuse, physical violence, sexual dysfunction, and denial of emotions are sometimes used to escape feelings of isolation. A major factor in children being at high risk for abuse is lack of bonding with parents. Showing parents and caregivers ways to begin the bonding process and support children is essential to stop child abuse and prevent drug addiction. Infant massage therapy is proposed as a technique for teaching parents how to overcome bonding difficulties. Regular massage can bring about many positive changes in children, such as increased eye contact, tremor reduction, and improved responsiveness to being held and talked to. Confidence in parenting skills is often increased through infant massage therapy because of positive responses in children and the parent's increasing ability to read the child's body language.