Exploring the effect of an attachment intervention in areas of multiple deprivation on adult–child interaction and the implications for children's social, emotional and behavioural development

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the incidence of children’s social, emotional and behavioural difficulties within areas of multiple deprivation in one Local Authority in Wales and the potential effects of targeted training interventions on the quality of adult–child interactions. The quality of adult–child interaction was measured pre and post-test using the Sustained Shared Thinking and Emotional Wellbeing Scale (SSTEW). Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) identified social, emotional and behavioural difficulties of children aged two to three years old illustrating the levels of difficulties presented by children attending Flying Start childcare. The SDQ results highlight a high incidence of social emotional and behavioural difficulties for children in areas of multiple deprivation. The SSTEW results highlight the potential impact of targeted professional development on the quality of adult–child interactions with the consideration that good quality childcare is associated with better outcomes for emotional, hyperactivity and peer problems with an improvement in pro-social skills.