Touching and Massage in Early Intervention Programs

The purpose of this study was to determine what occupational therapists and instructors in early intervention programs know about touching and massage; their personal attitudes about touching and being touched; and their practices regarding the use of touch/massage with infants and children with special needs from 0 to 3 years of age. The analyzes of the data predicted that the more knowledge a participant has about touch, massage, complementary and alternative medicines, the more willing they were to use these interventions in practice. And the reverse was also predicted: where there is an attitude of more touch avoidance a participant would practice touch/massage less often in intervention.

Autorentext

Dr.Gwendolyn Gray is a professor in occupational therapy at Tuskegee University. Currently serving as the administrative head of the occupational therapy program,she teaches research, mental health and pediatric courses. Her clinical practice includes specialties in pediatrics and mental health.Her terminal degree is in Rehabilitation & Education.