Neonate psychophysiological responses to ambient features of the neonatal intensive care unit

Author

Dorothy de la Cruz-Schmedel, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

1989

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Martin Gipson

First Committee Member

Roseann Hannon

Second Committee Member

Kenneth Beauchamp

Abstract

Hospital treatment environments have become a major concern in recent years. Noise and illumination are potential stress sources in hospitals. The purpose ofthis study was to examine the effects of hospital noise levels and ambient illumination on newborn infants (neonates). Noise levels and lighting were varied and the effect upon neonatal heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption were measured. These measures are sensitive tosympathetic nervous system reactivity such as that brought about by stressful environments. In addition, noise and lighting levels were measured to determine if differences existed across conditions. Psychophysiological responses to various noise and lighting levels varied within and across neonates with some changes in the expected direction. Some unexpected results of Quiet Time were noted among neonatal intensive care staff and hospital personnel.

Pages

177

Recommended Citation

de la Cruz-Schmedel, Dorothy. (1989). Neonate psychophysiological responses to ambient features of the neonatal intensive care unit. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/549