This pilot study presents preliminary data on the efficacy of Strong Bonds, Strong Pikin (SBSP), a brief intervention program that aims to enhance sensitivity among mothers who care for their preschool children in a slum settlement in Freetown (Sierra Leone). SBSP adapts principles of attachment theory to intervention within a non-Western cultural setting, where families suffer from extreme poverty. A combination of psychoeducation, group work, videofeedback, and storytelling defines the methodology of the program. Maternal sensitivity, parenting stress, and the use of violent discipline practices were measured before (pretest) and after the intervention (posttest) in a sample of 43 mothers who participated in the program. Analyses showed a significant increase in observed maternal sensitivity, as well as a decrease in mother-reported parenting stress, child problems, and use of violent discipline practices from pretest to posttest. These results are discussed in terms of the potential value of culturally sensitive, attachment-centered interventions with caregivers who raise their children in non-Western settings affected by economic vulnerability.
On March 14, 2020 one of the strictest confinements in Europe was imposed on the citizens of Spain. The online tool for parents, iCygnus, was designed to reduce the psychological impact generated by the pandemic on the child population (2–12 years of age) through automatic recommendations to parents based on individual responses about their parenting styles and their child’s characteristics. The profiles of the 710 families indicate a higher prevalence of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in children, as well as a relationship between punitive parenting in families where the parents lost their jobs due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The usefulness of the help offered by iCygnus was evaluated after 6 weeks, and almost 80% of the families indicated that they used the recommendations and that they helped them in their relationship with their children.
Objetivo: Este estudio pretende identificar y analizar las medidas observacionales para evaluar el constructo de responsividad parental, con especial atención en los componentes que se evalúan, en las características de aplicación y en los criterios de uso. Método: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura de todos los instrumentos publicados a través de las bases de datos de PsychINFO y Google Scholar. Dos investigadoras independientes evaluaron la elegibilidad de todos los instrumentos, extrajeron los datos y evaluaron sus características. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 33 instrumentos. Los componentes evaluados son diversos y más del 50% evalúan también otros constructos. La mayoría son de enfoque positivo, más de la mitad se codifican a través de vídeo y el tiempo destinado a la evaluación es muy variable, desde menos de 5 minutos a más de una hora. Algo menos de la mitad solicita realizar tareas concretas y todos ellos requieren formación específica para su uso. Discusión: Existe una gran oferta de instrumentos para evaluar la responsividad parental. Esta revisión ofrece claves que facilitan la elección del instrumento más adecuado a cada necesidad profesional o de investigación. Objective: The aim of this research is to identify and analyze the observational measures for the assessment of parental responsiveness construct, with a focus on the components that are evaluated, the characteristics of the implementation and the criteria of use. Method: A systematic review was carried out to identify all instruments published through PsychINFO and Google Scholar databases. Two independent researchers assessed the eligibility criteria of all measures, substracted data and assessed their characteristics. Results: 33 instruments were selected. The components of the measures are diverse and more than 50% also evaluate other constructs. Most instruments are positive in focus, more than half are encoded through video and the evaluation periods are very variable, from less than 5 minutes to more than one hour. Less than a half request to perform specific tasks and all of them require specific training for their use. Discussion: There is a wide range of instruments to assess parental responsiveness. This review offers clues that facilitate the choice of the most appropriate instrument for each professional or research needs.
The iENCUIST online tool was designed to reduce the psychological impact on both the confined population and on professionals who were at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic. In the first study (N= 2,362), the results are shown of the short test to perform personality profiles, made up of 34 items that show good psychometric properties. In the second study, the psychological profiles of confined individuals and professionals who had requested psychological help are presented (N= 815). The results indicate that confined women present higher scores in the variables of anxiety, anger, or disgust, placing this group at a greater risk for presenting psychological problems. As for professionals, those with more years of experience or who faced past crises have greater emotional stability, being a key factor in crisis management. After 6 weeks, the usefulness of the help offered by iENCUIST was evaluated and almost 80% of users indicated that they applied the recommendations offered by the tool, and that they helped them overcome the crisis.
Resumen: La calidad de la respuesta parental es la variable que más se ha estudiado en relación con el vínculo de apego del niño. Este artículo presenta un análisis actualizado de la evolución del constructo planteado por Mary Ainsworth desde su origen, así como una descripción de las ambigüedades y confusiones más habituales en su uso en la literatura científica. En primer lugar, se ofrece un análisis de las dimensiones originales planteadas por Ainsworth en sus escalas de Cuidado Materno. En segundo lugar, se analizan los problemas terminológicos y conceptuales que se han asociado al desarrollo de este constructo. En tercer lugar, se ofrece una revisión que amplía y actualiza los componentes del cuidado materno, incluyendo los componentes que la investigación más reciente ha destacado como significativos para la formación del vínculo de apego. Como conclusión, se ofrece una propuesta actualizada del constructo bajo el término calidad de la responsividad parental. Palabras clave: responsividad, sensibilidad, cuidado materno, escalas de Ainsworth, comportamiento parental.
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