Toward a New Conceptualization for Stress Response in Newborn Infants

Using the hybrid approach to concept development by Schwartz-Barcott and Kim [An expansion and elaboration of the hybrid model of concept development. In: Rodgers BL, Knafl KA, editors. Concept development in nursing. Philadelphia, (PA): WB Saunders; 2000. p. 129-159], both theory and clinical assessments, followed by analytic evaluation, were used to develop a new conceptualization for neonatal stress. Caregivers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit will benefit from attention to infant stressors, responses, and mediators.