Photographs relating to premature infants and the parental experience

Multisensory data consisting of photographs, images, and objects brought by participants to semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative study conducted as part of a clinical psychology doctorate. These interviews were conducted with 12 mothers of premature infants born between 28-32 weeks gestation. Interviews were conducted by the lead researcher between June 6 and November 7, 2019 with parents who met inclusion criteria and who consented to participate in the study. Details of the interview along with information leaflets and consent forms were sent to participants prior to the interview. Five interviews took place in participants’ homes and seven took place in university premises. Prior to audio-recording the interviews using a dictaphone, participants were asked to provide written informed consent. Participants understood that their participation was voluntary and that they could end their participation at any time without this affecting their care or involvement with TinyLife.

Verbal and written consent was provided by 11 participants to include these images in print form. During the interviews, participants were asked to discuss the meaning of each photograph/image/object they brought. These images consist of premature infants at birth and toddler stage, parents, and objects that were significant to parents during the premature birth experience. Owing to GDPR and to preserve the privacy of subjects, faces have been removed or pixelated, and names have been pseudonymised.

File is available in pdf format. Dataset embargoed until 31 December 2022.