Parental Sensitivity Research Articles

Parental emotion socialization and parent-child attachment security: A meta-analytic review.

Although parental sensitivity is an established determinant of children's attachment security, effect sizes are modest, suggesting other aspects of parenting that might support secure attachment. Parental emotion socialization (ES) has been proposed as a parenting domain that is theoretically linked to secure parent-child attachment. The goal of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the strength of the relations between parental ES and attachment security in children under the age of 18. We conducted three meta-analyses assessing the links of supportive parental ES, nonsupportive parental ES, and parental elaboration with attachment security assessed with behavioral, representational, and questionnaire measures (ks = 9-11 samples; Ns = 576-1,763 participants). The relation between supportive ES and security was significant but very small (r = .06). The relation between nonsupportive ES and security was not significant (r = -.05). Parental elaboration emerged as a key correlate of secure attachment, with a medium effect size (r = .24), similar to the relation between sensitivity and attachment security. The findings underscore the need for further research to elaborate on the role of ES in the development of attachment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Scaling up Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up with Latine families: Implementation processes and effectiveness.

Attachment and BiobehavioralCatch-up (ABC) is an evidence-based early intervention promoting attachment security and self-regulation by enhancing parental sensitivity. When scaling up an evidence-based intervention to the community, it is essential to consider families' preferences and cultural values to ensure cultural appropriateness, while maintaining fidelity to the intervention's core components. In this article, we aimed to test the effectiveness of ABC in improving parental sensitivity when implemented in Spanish at a community level in the USA. The effectiveness of ABC when implemented in Spanish in the community was assessed through pre-post changes in observed parental sensitivity in 79 Latine families with children ages 6 months to 4 years. Parental sensitivity increased from pre- to post-test, with a similar effect size to previous studies (d=.67). Results and practice implications are discussed, highlighting the importance of the support to providers reaching families of diverse origins.

A Qualitative Study of Implementation Outcomes of a Group-Based Intervention for Immigrant Parents

Abstract Background Inequities in service utilization between immigrant families and native populations have emerged within the Nordic welfare countries, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive parenting support. Despite the proven efficacy of parenting interventions, their implementation phases have not been adequately addressed in extant implementation research, particularly regarding structural racism and inequities. This study aims to contribute to the literature from an implementation perspective by describing a pilot of ‘Being a Parent in Finland,’ a culturally sensitive group-based intervention for migrant parents. Its specific focus is on investigating barriers to and facilitators of implementation outcomes from the perspectives of service providers. Methods The qualitative data consisted of thematic interviews (N = 6) with service providers (N = 9) compiled at distinct phases of the pilot from 2021 to 2023. In addition, data triangulation was utilized through document analysis of 125 pages of various documents regarding the pilot as a supplementary data collection method. Content analysis was conducted on the data using Atlas.ti 23. Results The findings stress the alignment of the target group, service placement, and preventive measures for enhancing parenting intervention’s acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Implicit objectives, such as perceiving the target group as ‘at-risk,’ can impede intervention success and exacerbate stigmatization of the target group. Culture- and context-specific adaptations, and community engagement foster parental trust and intervention accessibility. Conclusions The findings underscore the significance of congruent objectives, community engagement, and adaptive iterations in preventive parenting interventions. Advocating for these elements in implementation strategies is crucial for reducing stigmatization and enhancing equity and efficacy in services tailored to minority parents. Key messages • Acknowledging equity in both implementation research and strategies is paramount. • Implementing trust-building is crucial for culturally sensitive parenting interventions.

Parental Insightfulness, Parental Sensitivity, Parent and Child Mental Health, and Attachment in Autistic Children: A Systematic Review

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to examine whether parental insightfulness is associated with parental sensitivity, parent and child mental health, and attachment in autistic children. Eligible articles used a quantitative research design and included participants who were parents or caregivers of a child diagnosed with autism and who completed a measure of parental insightfulness. Eight papers (six studies) met inclusion criteria. Parental insightfulness was associated with higher parental sensitivity and attachment security. No studies investigated associations between parental insightfulness and parent mental health. Although research is limited, parental insightfulness appears to be associated with parental sensitivity and child attachment in families of autistic children. More research is required to confirm whether these relationships exist cross-culturally, and with different caregivers.

Sensory-processing sensitivity, parenting styles, and adult attachment patterns in parents of young children

ABSTRACT Background Increased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, known as sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), has been linked to attachment insecurity and less optimal parenting styles in parents of children aged 4–13 years. Associations between these parenting factors in parents of children aged 3 years and younger have not yet been investigated. Understanding the relationships between these factors will facilitate the development of strategies to better support highly sensitive parents. Methods A sample of 153 parents of children aged 3 years and younger completed an online survey comprising standardised measures of SPS, attachment, and infant parenting styles. The underlying factor structure of the Infancy Parenting Styles Questionnaire was investigated. Results Factor analysis identified 33 items loading onto five factors: Discipline, Routine, Anxiety, Nurturance, and Involvement, with moderate to high reliability. SPS was positively correlated with parenting anxiety, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance, but did not predict parenting style. Younger parent age was associate with more insecure attachment styles. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that variability in parenting anxiety was predicted only by attachment anxiety and having fewer children. Conclusion While SPS was not seen to predict parenting anxiety, relationships between SPS, parenting anxiety, and insecure attachment suggest that strategies tailored to SPS would support highly sensitive parents to care for their children and promote improved parent–child relationships. These strategies may therefore be a beneficial addition to attachment-based parenting programs. Further studies using the Toddler Parenting Styles Questionnaire (TPSQ) are needed to identify optimal parenting styles for parents of infants and toddlers.

Families with Internationally Adopted Children in Finland: A Study of Emotional Availability in the Early Interaction.

A well-functioning parent-child relationship is crucial for the child's psychological development. We examined the Emotional Availability (EA) in the early interaction of internationally adopted children with their mothers. We also studied whether the quality of the interaction was associated with the sex of the adopted children, the age at the time of adoption, the time they had spent in the family and parental depressive symptoms. The study sample was part of the Finnish Adoption (FinAdo) study and included 79 children (mean age at adoption = 2.58years, SD = 1.51months, 37% girls) and their adoptive mothers in Finland. The mother-child interactions were examined with Emotional Availability Scales (EAS) during the first months after adoption (mean = 6.3months). Our results showed that the overall EA scores were relatively high (mean 4.78-6.18), although the mean levels of parent sensitivity, parent non-intrusiveness, child responsiveness and child involvement were under the high zone of the EA (< 5.5). Children adopted at a younger age and boys received lower scores in the interaction analysis. Our results suggest that families with internationally adopted children seem to be able to create a well-functioning early relationship between the mother and the child.

Parental Sensory Processing Sensitivity Predicts Children’s Visual Scanning Pattern of Emotional Faces

Parental Sensory Processing Sensitivity Predicts Children’s Visual Scanning Pattern of Emotional Faces

Maternal sensitivity as a predictor of change in respiratory sinus arrhythmia activity from infancy to toddlerhood

AbstractThis study examined whether parental sensitivity during distressing and non‐distressing mother–infant interactions predicts changes in young children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) activity. Baseline RSA levels were collected from 83 children (49% female, 51% male) when children were 7 and 18 months old. Children's RSA reactivity and RSA recovery during the still‐face paradigm were collected when children were 7 months and during the strange situation procedure at 18 months. Controlling for stability of RSA activity over time, maternal sensitivity during distressing interactions at 7 months predicted changes in children's baseline RSA levels (β = −0.30) and children's RSA recovery (β = 0.25). Young children who experienced higher levels of sensitivity at 7 months had lower resting RSA levels and exhibited greater RSA recovery at 18 months. These results suggest that changes in young children's RSA activity are meaningfully related to their early caregiving experiences.Highlights We examined whether maternal sensitivity during infancy predicts changes in children's RSA activity from infancy to toddlerhood. Children who experienced higher levels of maternal sensitivity during infancy showed greater RSA recovery from a stressor during toddlerhood. Children who experienced higher levels of maternal sensitivity during infancy had lower resting RSA levels during toddlerhood.

Towards Theology of Parenthood: Mother Mary as the Role Model for Sensitive and Secure Christian Parenting

Mother Mary’s intimate and confidential relationship with God has inspired Christians around the world for the last two millennia. Her role in salvation history has already been discussed in detail in various church documents and scholarly literature. However, from an interdisciplinary point of view, her maternal role has not yet been fully evaluated from a psychological and child-rearing perspective. Therefore, in this article, we conduct a psychological analysis of the Gospel passages that talk about her maternal role and we evaluate these passages through the prism of the well-established attachment theory. Despite temporal and cultural differences, Mary’s maternal attitude is found to be highly consistent with the key findings in research on quality parenting and interpersonal relationships. As we show, her “maternal genius” is revealed through the following fundamental characteristics of attachment-focused parenting: unconditional acceptance, sensitive guidance, compassionate accompaniment and continuous emotional regulation. These characteristics of Mary’s motherhood come to the fore especially in the key moments of salvation history. The psychological analysis of Mary’s motherhood brings an important contribution to the “aggiornamento” of Mariology and enables some new opportunities for pastoral theology. With new scientifically supported insights, the Church will be better equipped to help parents to discover the beauty and depth of the mission of parenthood, following Mary’s example. The findings of our research therefore also represent an important foundation for the emerging theology of parenthood.

A PRISMA Systematic Review: Parent Sensitivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Relationship with Child and Parent Characteristics

A PRISMA Systematic Review: Parent Sensitivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Relationship with Child and Parent Characteristics

Feasibility of a Dutch post-discharge parenting intervention (TOP program) for moderate preterm born infants

Background and aimModerate preterm (MP) birth is associated with an increased risk of developmental problems. However, post-discharge support for this group is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a post-discharge parenting program (TOP program) for MP infants. Three feasibility dimensions were evaluated (1) recruitment capability and compliance, (2) intervention acceptability, and (3) limited efficacy testing. MethodsA group of MP infants with a gestational age (GA) between 320/7‐346/7 weeks and their parents received six home visits by a TOP interventionist until 6 months corrected age (CA). A pre-posttest intervention design with quantitative and qualitative measures was used.Recruitment capability and compliance, acceptability, and satisfaction with the intervention were evaluated using a questionnaire, checklists, interviews, and a focus group. Infant socio-emotional development, parental distress, self-efficacy, and reflective functioning were measured with questionnaires. Observation measurements were used for infant motor development and parental sensitivity. ResultsThirty-two families completed the six home visits. The satisfaction rate (scale 0–10) was remarkably high (Mean 9.4, range: 8–10). Parents reported that the program was suitable, enhanced their understanding of their infants' developmental needs, and increased their self-efficacy. The infants showed age-appropriate motor and socio-emotional development post-intervention. Parental self-efficacy, reflective functioning, and sensitivity improved from pre to post intervention, with small to large effect sizes. ConclusionThe study demonstrated high compliance, acceptability, and satisfaction with the TOP program for MP infants with promising infant and parent outcomes. This study contributes to the preparatory work prior to a larger scale evaluation and dissemination.

Play With Me: Effects of a shared activities parenting intervention on parenting and relative reinforcing value of food

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated impacts of a novel shared activities intervention designed to promote positive parent-child interactions, which may function as an alternative reinforcer to food. The 4-week, at-home Play With Me intervention combines didactic parenting videos and play kits with materials for parent-child activities to practice skills. Aims of the present study were to examine the intervention's acceptability and its effects on parenting and the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food versus parent-child activity at post-intervention. Thirty-two parents of 4-to-5-year-old children at risk for obesity were randomly assigned to the intervention or a waitlist control group. The intervention was well-liked by parents and feasible. Intervention parents reported more parenting structure and demonstrated higher observed sensitive parenting than controls at post; the latter finding was driven by greater parent positive mood, warmth, positive reinforcement, and relationship quality, with large effect sizes. There were no effects on the RRV of food. Inconsistent with hypotheses, there were trends toward control group parents reporting more parenting satisfaction and efficacy at post. Possible explanations are discussed. Results suggest Play With Me shows promise as an effective and acceptable intervention to promote positive parenting. Further research is needed to examine these effects and their implications for socioemotional development and health in a larger, more diverse sample over a longer time frame.

On executive functioning and childcare: The moderating role of parent-child interactions.

Childcare services are widely used by families and thereby exert an important influence on many young children. Yet, little research has examined whether childcare may impact the development of child executive functioning (EF), one of the pillars of cognitive development in early childhood. Furthermore, despite persisting hypotheses that childcare may be particularly beneficial for children who have less access to optimal developmental resources at home, research has yet to address the possibility that putative associations between childcare and EF may vary as a function of family factors. Among a sample of 180 mostly White middle-class families (91 girls), we examined if childcare participation in infancy was related to two aspects of EF (Delay and Conflict) at 3 years, and whether two aspects of maternal parenting behavior (sensitivity and autonomy support) moderated these associations. The results showed positive associations between participation in group-based childcare and Delay EF specifically among children of relatively less autonomy-supportive mothers. These findings suggest that out-of-home childcare services may play a protective role for children exposed to parenting that is less conducive to their executive development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Little research has considered effects of childcare in infancy on executive functioning (EF). Long-standing hypothesis that childcare is more beneficial for children exposed to less sensitive and supportive parenting. We test interactions between maternal parenting and childcare participation in infancy in relation to EF at age 3 years. We find positive associations between participation in group-based childcare and Delay EF specifically among children of relatively less autonomy-supportive mothers.

SENSITIZATION OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN OF PEERS INVOLVED IN THE INCLUSIVE PROCESS IN MACEDONIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The global trend of incorporating students with disabilities into mainstream education is on the rise, a phenomenon observed in countries like Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the attitudes of parents with typically developing children play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students with special needs within regular school systems. This study aims to delve into the level of sensitization among parents of typically developing students concerning their peers with diverse developmental disabilities in Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data for this investigation were collected through a survey comprising 10 questions, each offering 3/4 possible responses. The sample size includes 90 parents of typically developing students attending regular schools across North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thematic analysis of survey results unveils challenges and barriers in the inclusive education process, shedding light on parental sensitization. This exploration identifies specific issues and proposes potential solutions to enhance the inclusivity of the education system. The identified issues emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions and proactive measures to raise awareness among parents, fostering a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. By suggesting plausible solutions, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on inclusive education, serving as a foundation for further research and practical initiatives.

The implementation of EMI-Heart, a family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex congenital heart disease, in practice: a feasibility RCT

BackgroundChildren with congenital heart disease (CHD) who undergo open-heart surgery are at risk of developmental impairment, including motor delay, which contributes to parental concerns. Additionally, parents experience prolonged stress associated with their child’s disease. There is a lack of early motor interventions in infants with CHD accounting for parental burdens. We developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), aiming to promote motor development in infants with CHD and family well-being. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the study design and the intervention. The secondary aim was to evaluate differences between the intervention and the control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline (3–5 months), post-treatment (6–8 months), and at follow-up (12 months).MethodIn this single-centre feasibility randomized control trial (RCT), infants with CHD after open-heart surgery without genetic or major neurological comorbidities were randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group (standard of care). EMI-Heart’s key elements promote postural functional activities and encourage parental sensitivity to infants’ motor and behaviour cues. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart received nine sessions of early motor intervention at home, in the hospital, and online for a duration of 3 months by a paediatric physiotherapist. We performed descriptive statistics for feasibility and secondary outcomes.ResultsThe recruitment rate was 59% (10/17), all participating families completed the study (10/10), and the intervention duration was 3.9 months (± 0.54), including nine intervention sessions per family. Median acceptability to parents was 3.9 (1 = not agree–4 = totally agree, Likert scale). The paediatric physiotherapist considered the intervention as feasible. The comparison of motor outcomes did not show differences between groups. However, we detected improved reliable change scores in family well-being outcomes for families of the intervention group compared to the controls.ConclusionsOur research indicates that EMI-Heart is a feasible intervention for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. The intervention was highly acceptable both to parents and to the paediatric physiotherapist. Online treatment sessions offer a valuable alternative to home and hospital visits. This feasibility RCT provides a foundation for a future full trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCTT04666857. Registered 23.11.2020.

Trajectories of egg sensitization in childhood: Two birth cohorts in Asia and Europe.

Hen's egg exposure through impaired skin barrier is considered a major mechanism of sensitization to eggs. However, the impact of filaggrin (FLG) gene loss-of-function mutations on the natural history of egg sensitization lacks consensus among studies. To evaluate the association between the natural course of egg sensitization and FLG mutations. We used Japanese and the UK birth cohorts (CHIBA and MAAS) to identify the longitudinal patterns of egg sensitization until mid-school age and examined the relationship between the identified patterns and FLG mutations. Sensitization was assessed using egg white-specific IgE levels or skin prick tests (SPTs). Egg allergy was confirmed by parental reports and sensitization. Latent class growth analysis identified longitudinal patterns. Three similar patterns of egg sensitization (persistent, early-onset remitting, and no/low grade classes) were identified in both cohorts, with differing prevalence estimates. The proportion of children with egg allergy in the persistent class at 7 or 8 years of age was 23% (CHIBA) and 20% (MAAS). Consistently in both cohorts, FLG mutations were significantly associated only with the persistent class. Children with FLG mutations had an approximately four-fold increased risk of being in the persistent sensitization class (RRRs: 4.3, 95%C.I. (1.2-16.0), p = .03 in CHIBA; 4.3 (1.3-14.7), p = .02 in MAAS). FLG loss-of-function mutations are associated with persistent egg sensitization in both Japanese and European ethnicities, and the mutations might be a potential biomarker for identifying the risk of persistent egg sensitization/allergy in early infancy. Future studies should incorporate oral food challenges to confirm this relationship.

Clinical validation of "spiritual distress (00066)" in parents of children with chronic diseases.

This study aimed to determine the clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis (ND) of "spiritual distress (00066)" and the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value in parents of children with chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the clinical diagnostic validity method proposed by Fehring. The data were collected through structured interviews and using a researcher-made list that included 5 parts of demographic information, parents' opinions about spiritual distress, the researcher's diagnosis, 74 defining characteristics (DCs) of the ND of spiritual distress, and the Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value. The prevalence of diagnosis was 70% in a sample of 120 parents. Out of the 74 DCs, 39 criteria were validated. Questioning meaning of illness and suffering had the highest sensitivity (98.8%), the highest negative predictive value (88.88%), and the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.05%). Expressing the lack of meaning in life demonstrated the highest specificity (97.22%), the highest positive predictive value (98.33%), and the highest positive likelihood ratio (25.26%). Parents who search for meaning of illness and suffering related to a lack of meaning in life are in spiritual distress. The ND was validated. These findings can empower clinical nurses to confidently assess and identify patients experiencing spiritual distress, bridging the gaps caused by the absence of standardized tools for assessing spiritual distress in the inpatient setting.

Examining the Connection Between Attachment and Risk for Psychopathology in Adolescents : A Comprehensive Review

The foundation of attachment theory is the notion that early relationships – such as the one between a child and primary caregiver – play a crucial role in patterns of emotional regulation, interpersonal behaviors and adult functioning. This review explores how attachment styles are associated with psychopathology in adolescents by systematically assessing research studies up to May 2024. Studies have shown that insecure attachment styles are risk factors for adaptation and psychopathology in adolescence, including anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder and substance use. Securely attached adolescents have better mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies have also confirmed that early attachment affects later psychopathology. Insecure infant attachment is linked to depression, suicidality, substance use and dissociation in adolescents. Emerging attachment-based interventions – including, for example, Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) – have demonstrated promise in treating adolescent mental health by targeting attachment disorganization level. Ultimately, working on reflective functioning, parental sensitivity and emotion regulation skills can help adolescents repair their attachments. Even in light of these findings, attachment does not appear as straightforwardly explanatory as one might expect, given the developmental importance of attachment entering a new stage. Attachment researchers should consider participants’ experiences of early attachment, in light of patterns of change during individual development, as well as in light of a family systems perspective – for instance, understanding that some adolescents who become disaffected from their families have parents who tend to be dismissive of their emotional needs. All of these could help in effective prevention and treatment of adolescent psychopathology.

Knowing, recognizing, and preventing shaken baby syndrome: The role of primary care pediatrician

The Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the result of a severe form of physical abuse inflicted on children under the age of 2, mostly by parents or other caregivers, to quiet their inconsolable crying. The violent shaking of the child results in devastating consequences up to death or can lead to serious neurological sequelae and/or compromise of their neurodevelopment. The clinical diagnosis of SBS is not always easy and immediate, especially in cases where the picture presents with subtle signs and symptoms not directly attributable to abuse: it is therefore fundamental that the family pediatrician is aware of this nosological entity, suspects it in the presence of certain risk factors, always considers it in the differential diagnosis like any other pathology, and above all prevents it through sensitization and education of parents and other caregivers to adequately manage their child's crying. This article aims to emphasize the role of primary care pediatricians in knowing, recognizing, and preventing the shaken baby syndrome.

Exploring the role of OXTR gene methylation in attachment development: A longitudinal study.

The current study explored longitudinally whether oxytocin receptor gene methylation (OXTRm) changes moderated the association between parental sensitivity changes and children'sattachment changes over three waves. Six hundred six Flemish children (10-12 years, 42.8%-44.8% boys) completed attachment measures and provided salivary OXTRm data on seven CpG sites. Their parents reported their sensitive parenting. Results suggest that OXTRm changes hardly link to attachment (in)security changes after the age of 10. Some support was found for interaction effects between parental sensitivity changes and OXTRm changes on attachment changes over time. Effects suggest that for children with increased OXTRm in the promotor region and decreased methylation in the inhibitor region over time, increased parental sensitivity was associated with increased secure attachment and decreased insecure attachment over time.