Researchers concerned with
extrauterine neonatal development, especially
that of preterm infants, have
been part of a lively debate concerning
benefits compared with potential hazards
of single and multimodal stimulatory
interventions (Field, 1990; Harrison,
1985; Horowitz, 1990; Korner,
1990). Korner (1990) noted that “under
the influence of a growing literature on
the deleterious effects of maternal and
sensory deprivation, behavioral scientists
became very much concerned that
preterm infants raised in what were appropriately
called ‘Isolettes’ might be
sensorially deprived” (pp. 173-174).
Rather than sensory deprivation, however,
it is presently recognized that infants
may be bombarded by inappropriate
noxious stimuli in high-tech
environments.