My Early Relational Trust-Informed Learning (MERTIL) for Parents: A study protocol for a brief, universal, online, preventative parenting program to enhance relational health

Opie, Jessica E; Hooker, Leesa; Gibson, Tanudja; McIntosh, Jennifer

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0272101

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Practical implications of these findings are important and include translation of these developmental mechanisms into parent educational materials (e.g. Opie, Hooker, Gibson, & McIntosh, 2023 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: findings from a new population‐based Australian cohort

McIntosh,

Opie,

Greenwood

et al. 2023

Child Psychology Psychiatry

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BackgroundHere, we report new prevalence and temporal stability data for child attachment and parental caregiving behaviour, from infancy (1 year) to preschool (4 years).MethodsAttachment (SSP) and caregiving data (MBQS) were from observations of parents and their infants and preschoolers, who represent the third generation of participants within an Australian longitudinal cohort.ResultsAt 1 year (n = 314 dyads) and at 4 years (n = 368 dyads), proportions assessed secure were 59% and 71%, respectively. Proportions assessed avoidant were 15% and 11%; ambivalent 9% and 6%, and disorganised 17% and 12%, at 1 and 4 years. Continuity of attachment pattern was highest for the infant secure group. Of dyads initially classified disorganised in infancy, 36% remained so at the preschool assessment. Attachment and caregiving continuities across the infancy–preschool period were highest for the stable secure attachment group and lowest for the stable insecure attachment group. Loss of secure attachment to mother by age 4 years correlated with decreased maternal caregiving sensitivity, and acquisition of secure status by age 4 was associated with increased maternal sensitivity. We found no difference in caregiving sensitivity scores for mothers and fathers for female and male preschool children.ConclusionsThe contemporary infant and preschool attachment proportions we report here closely mirror the patterns of those reported in prior decades, with an inclination towards secure base relationships. Our findings alert practitioners anew to the responsiveness of early attachment status to change in caregiving responsiveness and support ongoing investment in early identification of disorganised attachment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: findings from a new population‐based Australian cohort

McIntosh,

Opie,

Greenwood

et al. 2023

Child Psychology Psychiatry

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“…Collectively, findings demonstrate the potential impact of these online parenting support programs on parent well-being, however, existing programs are yet to demonstrate that this impact can be maintained over longer periods. Universal online parenting programs (e.g., MERTIL for Parents; Opie et al, 2023) may have preventative healthcare impacts provided their efficacy can endure, serving as a high-quality alternative to overcoming the logistical and financial barriers in accessing face-to-face services.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Universal Digital Programs for Promoting Mental and Relational Health for Parents of Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Opie,

Esler,

Clancy

et al. 2023

Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev

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Digital parenting programs aim to increase program access, improve psychosocial outcomes for parents and children, and support triage to targeted interventions where required. This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of online parenting programs in improving parenting skills and capabilities, and by consequence, the mental health and well-being of parents and children, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. Studies were included if they were: (1) online, (2) self-delivered, (3) designed for universal general population prevention, (4) evaluated experimental or quasi-experimental designs, and (5) assessed parent and child emotional and/or relational health, from pregnancy to 5 years of age. A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature identified 22 studies that met inclusion criteria, including 24 independent samples, with 5671 unique parents. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models and Cohen’s d effects. Small-to-moderate improvements in parent depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and social support were observed. No effects on parent stress, satisfaction, or parent–child relationship quality were observed. Meta-regression and sub-group analysis were conducted to identify sensitivity or moderation effects. Collectively, findings suggest any benefits of online parenting programs mostly occur at the time of the intervention, for parent mental health and well-being outcomes, and that enduring effects are unlikely. However, given the cost effectiveness and accessibility of online programs, further research into ways of sustaining effects on parenting outcomes is warranted. Furthermore, given the centrality of the parent–child bond to child development across the lifecourse, additional investment in new digitally facilitated approaches focusing on this bond are likewise warranted.PROSPERO registration CRD42021275647.

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“…An example of an online program that may enhance psychosocial and attachment outcomes in this population is MERTIL for Parents (My Early Relational Trust-Informed Learning; Opie et al, 2023). MERTIL for Parents is a brief, universal, self-directed parenting program about enhancing relational trust and preventing relational trauma.…”

Section: Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Children’s Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in Military Families: A Rapid Review

Opie,

Hameed,

Vuong

et al. 2024

J Child Fam Stud

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In light of ongoing global military conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war, it is imperative to study the effects of parental military service and deployment on the health and well-being of children within military families. Emerging evidence suggests that children with a parent in service appear to face unique developmental challenges associated with the military lifestyle, which differ from those experienced by civilian children. However, there is currently limited systematic research that compares the developmental outcomes of children with serving parents to their civilian peers. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize existing literature on the behavioral, social, emotional, and educational functioning of children with currently serving parents in defense forces, in comparison to their civilian counterparts. This rapid systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology framework, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, and Cochrane Rapid Review methodological recommendations The following databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Relevant online databases were searched from February 2012 to 2022 to examine the contemporary literature. Fourteen identified published quantitative studies were identified. No qualitative studies were found, and no study reported on academic outcomes. Despite considerable sample heterogeneity across studies, military children of all ages appear to be a particularly vulnerable population. Findings suggest that children in military families experience substantially higher risk for negative psychological, social, and behavioral health outcomes than their civilian counterparts, with parental deployment increasing risk across all developmental stages (i.e., early, middle, and late childhood). Among these age groups, adolescents of currently serving members showed highest risk, particularly concerning suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors. Implications are discussed in terms of early detection, preventative interventions, and support services for families and children with a serving parent. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022313999.

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My Early Relational Trust-Informed Learning (MERTIL) for Parents: A study protocol for a brief, universal, online, preventative parenting program to enhance relational health

Cited by 4 publications

References 39 publications

Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: findings from a new population‐based Australian cohort

Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: findings from a new population‐based Australian cohort

Universal Digital Programs for Promoting Mental and Relational Health for Parents of Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Children’s Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in Military Families: A Rapid Review

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