Subjective experiences of participating in an attachment-based early intervention parenting program

Abstract

This qualitative study evaluated an attachment-based group parenting program that utilises mentalisation-based approach. The Building Early Attachment and Resilience (BEAR) program was designed to promote parent-child attachment across the perinatal period and has pre- and post-natal arms. The post-natal component targets mothers and infants at risk for early disturbances of attachment to, and emotional interaction. This evaluation study aimed to explore mothers’ subjective experiences of the post-natal BEAR program in encouraging mothers’ reflection on their role as a parent. Thirteen mothers were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, with five themes emerging. Overall, mothers reported that the intervention promoted reflection about the parenting role, contributed to perceptions of improved mother-infant interactions and increased understanding of their infant’s internal experiences. The results suggest the BEAR program is acceptable and facilitates the development of secure parent-infant attachment.

Keywords

Mental health mentalisation reflective functioning parent-child relations parenting attachment

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