Parental representations: A systematic review of the working model of the child interview.

Abstract

This review provides an overview of results that have been obtained in studies using the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI). The WMCI is a structured interview that assesses parents' internal working models of the relationship with their young children. From the current infant mental health perspective, evaluating the quality of parents' representations about the infant-parent relationship is the main focus in the assessment and treatment of infants and their parents. Empirical quantitative studies (N = 24 articles) in which the WMCI was used for data collection were used for analysis. The distribution of balanced, disengaged, and distorted representations differed among various study populations. Parents' internal representations as reflected in their narratives about their child are affected by various factors such as maternal, child, and demographic characteristics. The WMCI is a valid and useful clinical and research tool that can be used in future studies examining the role of parental representations in infant development.