La sensibilité maternelle et la sécurité de l’attachement dans un projet d’intervention précoce

Abstract

BackgroundThe CAPEDP project is an early intervention program addressed to a multi-risk sample. One of its main objectives was to enhance infant attachment security. Because we know that the sensitivity of the caregiving is an important factor for infant attachment security, our project tried to promote maternal sensitivity during the home visits. This article examines the links between maternal sensitivity and attachment security and the differences between the intervention and the control groups. MethodsOne hundred and seventeen dyads of the multi-risk sample participated in our study. Children were between 12 and 16 months. The risk factors were: young age, low education level and low income. We used the Ainsworth's Strange Situation to assess the quality of infant attachment. To evaluate maternal sensitivity, the Ainsworth's Maternal Sensitivity Scales were used to code mother–infant interactions in three different filmed situations: “free play”, “structured play” and “diaper change”. The association between maternal sensitivity and attachment security was compared between groups, as well as the intervention effect on increasing maternal sensitivity. ResultsInfant quality of attachment was found to be significantly associated to maternal sensitivity. Sensitive maternal responses were associated with increased attachment security in infants. Further, infants of the intervention group had mothers who presented more sensible responses to their infants’ signals when compared to those reared by the mothers belonging to the control group. The results show a positive effect of the intervention on enhancing maternal sensitivity. Conclusion/perspectivesResults are discussed in terms of the impact that the life context (social, emotional and relational) has in the quality of mother–child interactions and therefore in the establishment of a secure attachment between the child and his mother. As a perspective for future studies, we discuss the use of home-visiting as an important intervention tool and as a way of reflecting about parental experiences. We also discuss the idea that health professionals, other than psychologists, should be aware of the importance of early intervention in multi-risk contexts. It is essential to sensitize other health professionals to detect potentially difficult situations that need to be referred to a mental health professional. This would be especially relevant for pediatricians who are in the frontline of infant care.