Video feedback compared to treatment as usual in families with parent–child interactions problems: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundFor the first time to our knowledge, short- and long-term effects of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT) of video feedback of infant–parent interaction (VIPI) intervention in naturalistic settings are published. The intervention targets families with children younger than 2 years old and parent–child interactions problems. Outcome variables were 1) observed parent–child interactions and 2) parent-reported child social and emotional development. Between-group differences of the moderating effects of parental symptoms of depression, personality disorders traits, and demographic variables were investigated.MethodThe study had a parallel-group, consecutively randomized, single-blinded design; participants were recruited by health- and social workers. Seventy-five families received VIPI, and 57 families received treatment as usual (TAU). Videotapes of each parent–child interactions were obtained before treatment, right after treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up and coded according to Biringen’s Emotional Availability Scales. Parental symptoms of depression and personality disorder traits were included as possible moderators.ResultsEvidence of a short-term effect of VIPI treatment on parent–child interactions was established, especially among depressed parents and parents with problematic interactions–and, to some extent, among parents with dependent and paranoid personality disorder traits. A long-term positive effect of VIPI compared with TAU on child social/emotional development was also evident. In a secondary analysis, VIPI had a direct positive effect on the depressive symptoms of parents compared with TAU.ConclusionThe findings of the study support the use of VIPI as an intervention in families with interaction difficulties.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN99793905.

Video-feedback intervention to improve parental sensitivity and the quality of interactions in mother-father-infant triads

“…Some studies have sought to explain the effectiveness of video feedback by suggesting that working with parents with videotaped interactions will allow them to see themselves, their child, and the relationship with greater perspective and less emotional intensity, which will facilitate the development of a reflective space with the therapist [54,64]. In this sense, the therapeutic space offers parents an instance of self-observation and observation of their child as a distinct human being with his or her own mental states, also facilitating the recognition of the mutual influence between them [54,57].…”

“…In the context of early interventions, video feedback is a technique that is increasingly used as a central or complementary tool [53][54][55][56][57]. It consists of the video recording of interactions between the adult(s) and the child, which are then analyzed by the therapist and presented to the parents.…”

Understanding factors that promote and limit the use of video guidance in child protection services: A SWOT analysis

“…By using video feedback accompanied with supporting and non‐judgemental guidance, parents can discover negative interactions with their children, reflect on it, and make positive changes. This can result in a more positive and permanent change in interactions over time (Høivik et al, ). Parents who have experiences of being treated as “less than human” in the CPS also report feelings that they were not afforded the same rights as participants, decision‐makers, or partners, in improving their situation (Smithson & Gibson, ).…”

“…In Scandinavian health care services and schools, studies suggest that parents and caregivers who received Marte Meo demonstrated better interactions compared with parents who received treatment as usual (Axberg, Hansson, Broberg, & Wirtberg, ; Høivik et al, ). It has been reported that Marte Meo is useful for mothers with depressive symptoms who often are unable to interpret their babies' cues and respond accordingly (Vik & Rohde, ).…”

A pilot study evaluation of Marte Meo for divorced fathers

“…Marte Meo is the most widely used parenting intervention in Scandinavian countries for families at risk during infancy and the early childhood years and is utilized to improve parent-child interactional problems in community health, child welfare and educational settings (Høivik et al, 2015). Marte Meo has been widely field tested, yet has a limited research base, especially considering the large-scale implementation of the clinical intervention.…”