Narrative review of interventions suitable for well-baby clinics to promote infant attachment security and parents' sensitivity

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the evidence for interventions for children's secure attachment relationships and parents' caregiving sensitivity that could potentially be implemented in the context of a well-baby clinic.

Methods: Literature search on programmes for parental caregiving sensitivity and secure attachment for infants aged 0-24 months. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published 1995-2018 with interventions starting from one week postpartum, and with a maximum of 12 sessions (plus potential booster session) were included.

Results: We identified 25 studies, of which 22 studied effects of home-based programmes using video feedback techniques. Positive effects of these interventions in families at risk were found on parental caregiving sensitivity and to a lesser extent also on children's secure or disorganised attachment. The effects of two of these programmes were supported by several RCTs. Three intervention studies based on group and individual psychotherapy showed no significant positive effects. Most of the interventions targeted mothers only.

Conclusion: The review found some evidence for positive effects of selective interventions with video feedback techniques for children's secure attachment and strong evidence for positive effects on parental caregiving sensitivity. Important knowledge gaps were identified for universal interventions and interventions for fathers and parents with a non-Western background.

Keywords: attachment; infants; parenting; sensitivity; well-baby clinics.