Infant massage benefits for infants and parents/caregivers:

A critical review

College of Human Sciences Family and Child StudiesM. Kay Keller, M.P.A., S.S.W., C.I.M.I.

Parent/Caregiver Outcomes included: Decreased symptoms of stress, anxiety & depression,

increased care giving activities, increased interaction, improvements in lifestyles, and increased self

efficacy. (Cullen et al., 2000; Feijo et. al.,2006; Ferber et al., 2005; Field et al.,1996; Onozawa et al.,

2001; Scholz & Samuels, 1992). To date there are no reported negative outcomes..

ConclusionsFathers increased the quality of care giving activities and infants initiated engagement with fathers

after receiving infant massage, (Cullen et al., 2000; Scholz & Samuels, 1992). Mothers reported less

depression symptoms regardless of whether they massaged their infants or watched their infants

being massaged (Feijo et. al.,2006). Caregivers reported increased satisfaction in their lives after

volunteering to massage infants (Feijo et al., 2006).

ReferencesArora et al., 2005; Arikan et al., 2007; Cullen et al., 2000; Diego et al., 2007; Elliot et al., 2002; Feij’o

et al., 2006; Ferber et al., 2005; Ferber et al., 2002; Ferber et al., 2002; Field et al., 1996; Field et al.,

1996; Field et al., 1998; Fujita et al., 2006; Gitu et al., 2002; Glover et al., 2002; Gonzales et al.,

2009; Huhtula et al., 2000; Jump et al., 2006; Kelmanson & Adulas, 2005; Kim et al., 2003; Massaro

et al., 2009; Mathai et al., 2003; Mendes & Procianoy, 2008; O’Higgins, 2008; Ohgi, 2004; Onozawa,

2001; Pelaez-Nogueras 1996; Scafidi & Field, 1995; Scholz & Samuels, 1992; Teti et al., 2009;

Sankaranarayanan et al, 2005.

Research QuestionThis critical review aimed to evaluate experimental and

quasi-experimental research previously published which

focused on answering the question: “Does providing

infant massage benefit the infant and the parents or

caregivers?”

MethodsThirty-one peer reviewed published research articles (27

experimental and 4 quasi-experimental) were critically

evaluated to determine the premise of theoretical

framework and the rigor of the research designs.

SampleThe articles discussed in this critical targeted parents or

caregivers who massaged infants. This research was

representative of fourteen different countries.

ParticipantsMothers who reported depression symptoms, fathers,

caregivers and infants.

ResultsInfant Outcomes included: decrease in crying/colic,

decrease in length of hospital stay, decrease in diarrhea,

increased interaction (engagement and entrainment

behavior), increase in physical growth, and increased

sleep time (Field, 1995; Field & Diego, 2008; Field &

Hernandez-Reif, 2001; Field et al., 1996; Mendes &

Procianoy, 2008; O’Higgins et al., 2008; Pelaez-

Nogueras et al., 1996; Scafidi et al., 1996 ).