Despite positive intervention effects in many of the prior
experimental studies, limitations of this body of research
deserve discussion. Because the prior studies typicaily targeted
mothers in the intervention programs, it is not known
whether the interventions would produce similar positive
effects on father outcomes or whether the interventions
would need to be revised to target unique stressors encountered
by fathers of LBW premature infants. Therefore, in
future studies, it is critical to determine if infant developmental
outcomes could be further enhanced by inclusion of
fathers in the interventions. This is particularly important
since prior research has indicated that children with fathers
who are involved in their care and nurturing in their interactions
tend to have better self-esteem and developmental
outcomes than children of non-involved, non-nurturing
fathers (Lamb, 1997; Nineo & Rinott. 1988)