Outcomes Associated with Parenting a Preterm Infant: Many negative psychological sequelae are associated with parenting a preterm infant, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Such negative parental mental health outcomes proceed to influence the parent-child relationship, leading to a parent's inability to recognize infant cues as well as increased negativity and intrusiveness. Negative maternal-child interactions continue into the first several months of life if stress remains high. Forming such a foundation may then lead to negative child outcomes associated with social-emotional development, including attachment insecurity, and mental health issues.