Using video observation to foreground children's voices in infant massage research

Abstract

ABSTRACT This doctoral study examined the function of baby massage in supporting early infant-carer attachment relationships among families facing stressful life experiences. It was designed in response to Bennett, Underdown and Barlow's [Bennett, C., A. Underdown, and J. Barlow. 2013. “Massage for Promoting Mental and Physical Health in Typically Developing Infants Under the Age of Six Months [Online].” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): 1–162] meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of baby massage on infant health, and their recommendation that further research focused on the outcomes for families they described as ‘higher risk’. Analysis of the available literature also identified a lack of fine-grained research foregrounding families’ experiences of infant massage. This qualitative project was located in the constructivist paradigm, using a praxeological case study methodology. Innovative techniques and participatory methods were used including an information video and film as a data source and reflective stimulus; approaches which engaged babies and carers as co-inquirers in the research. It also required a robust ethical framework; a ‘matrix’ of approaches to informed consent [Rouse, E. J. 2018. “How Infant Massage Enhances Pedagogical Attachment in Families Facing Challenging Circumstances.” PhD diss., University of Wolverhampton] . This paper positions video as a method that supports detailed observations of young babies and foregrounds their ‘voices’ in the research. It contributes a detailed account of the benefits, challenges and ethical considerations around using video, and argues that it can support adults who care for and work with young children to have a deepened understanding of infant communication.