Outcome evaluation in brief mother-infant psychotherapies: Report on 75 cases

Author(s): Cramer, B., Stern, D. N., Serpa, S. R., Bachmann, J. P., Palacioespasa, F., Knauer, D., Demuralt, M., Berney, C., Mendiguren, G.

Journal/Book: Infant Mental Hlth J. 1996; 17: Michigan State Univ, Dept Psychology, E Lansing, MI 48824-1117. Michigan Assn Infant Mental Health. 97-114.

Abstract: The effects of brief mother-infant psychotherapies (maximum of 10 sessions) were examined in cases of functional and behavioral disturbances in children less than 30 months old. Seventy-five mother-infant dyads were assessed prior to treatment, at 1 week, and 6 months after therapy ended. The outcome measures were changes in the infant's symptoms, the behavioral interactions between mother and infant, and maternal representations. The effect of two forms of intervention-Psychodynamic Therapy and Interaction Guidance Therapy-were compared. Results indicated a significant symptom reduction; dyadic interactions became more harmonious (mothers became less intrusive and infants more cooperative). Maternal self-esteem grew significantly and negative affects decreased. Improvements lasted as least several months, with some positive improvement detected at the 6-month follow-up. No major difference in outcome was found between the effects of the two forms of intervention. Within the limitations of research in a clinical context, this study suggests that brief mother-infant psychotherapies are a cost-effective method of early intervention.

Note: Article C Roberttissot, Clin Psychiat Infantile, Unite Rech, 41 Crets Champel, CH-1206 Geneva, Switzerland

Keyword(s): REPRESENTATIONAL WORLD; PARENTS PERCEPTIONS; EFFICACY; PSYCHOANALYSIS; PERSPECTIVE; TEMPERAMENT; POSTPARTUM; DISORDERS; CHILDREN

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