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Witte AM, de Moor MHM, Verhees MWFT, Lotz AM, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Effects of a Baby Carrier Intervention on Fathers' Sensitivity, Involvement, and Hormonal Levels: Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Study. PARENTING, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 24:106-117. [PMID: 39036043 PMCID: PMC11259205 DOI: 10.1080/15295192.2024.2366763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Fathers are of great importance for healthy child development. This randomized controlled study investigated the longer-term effects of an intervention using a soft baby carrier on fathers' observed sensitive caregiving, involvement, and oxytocin and cortisol levels. Design. First-time fathers were randomly assigned to use a baby carrier (n = 41) or baby seat (n = 39) and were asked to use the carrier or seat for at least 6 h per week for 3 weeks. Pretest (M child age = 2.67 months), posttest (M child age = 3.99 months), and follow-up (M child age = 8.25 months) father data were collected. Results. No intervention effects of baby carrier use on fathers' sensitivity, involvement, and oxytocin or cortisol levels at follow-up emerged. Unexpectedly, fathers in the baby seat condition reported an increase in the amount of time spent with the infant. Fathers' sensitivity and oxytocin levels decreased over time, while cortisol levels increased over time, irrespective of condition. Conclusions. This study showed less optimal hormonal levels in fathers over time, suggesting that support during the first months of fatherhood is needed. Furthermore, use of a baby seat may have contributed to fathers enjoying their time with their infant and consequently their involvement in child caregiving.
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Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Kaźmierczak M, Czerwiński S. Exploring the key drivers of responsive parenting in mothers and fathers - observed and self-reported responsiveness. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2024; 12:39-52. [PMID: 38425885 PMCID: PMC10900979 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/181511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article explores parental responsiveness - the ability of a parent to react to a child's needs adequately, promptly, and with tenderness and synchrony. Parental responsiveness can be measured using observational and self-report scales. The purpose of this study was to explore whether individual differences in empathy and attachment in mothers and fathers and their satisfaction with their relationship are predictors of parental responsiveness toward infants. Moreover, self-report and observational measures of parental responsiveness were compared. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE A total of 110 triads (mother, father, and child aged 6-10 months) took part in the free play procedure and parents' behaviors towards their children were assessed using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. Moreover, they filled out a set of questionnaires measuring parental self-reported responsiveness, empathy, experiences in close relationships and romantic relationship satisfaction. RESULTS Higher empathic concern was connected with higher responsiveness and this was seen in both individual and partner measures. At the individual level, measures of responsiveness (self-report and observational) were not congruent and probably depended on other variables. In couples, there were positive correlations in three aspects of their family functioning: observed and self-reported parental responsiveness as well as relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed differences between self-reported and observational measures of parental responsiveness, indicating that their results may not always be congruent and could depend on other variables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stanisław Czerwiński
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Branson Dame K, Jazz Harvey M, Aichele S, Kralewski Van Denburg A, Hoyer L, Joslin S, McKenna A, Lincoln M, Closson L, Flykt M, Salo S, Harvey A, Biringen Z. Movement through motherhood: Exploring mood, wellbeing, and prenatal emotional availability (EA) through EA-based dance intervention. Infant Ment Health J 2024; 45:22-39. [PMID: 38081788 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Emotional availability (EA) is a construct that describes the observed emotional connection in parent-child relationships. During pregnancy, EA is assessed only using caregiver sensitivity and nonhostility. We used the nonverbal aspects of these qualities to create a new dance/movement intervention ("EA-Based Dance Intervention"). Given the scarcity of pregnancy interventions, we provided training to participants on how to be emotionally engaged with their unborn babies through dance/movement. The EA-Based Dance Intervention alone comprised the first intervention arm (n = 12). A second intervention arm involved the combination of EA-Based Dance Intervention with brief psychoeducation (n = 10). The third arm was a control group, which received only the assessments (n = 7). Measures of self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional expressivity, flourishing, and the (newly developed) self-reported prenatal EA were used at pre- and posttest. The measure of observed prenatal EA was used to compare intervention versus control at posttest only. In this pilot study, we found that participants receiving the EA-Based Dance Intervention alone or combined with psychoeducation, self-reported improved anxiety symptoms and self-reported higher prenatal EA. When compared with the control group, those experiencing EA-Based Dance Intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms from pre- to posttest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Branson Dame
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Madeline Jazz Harvey
- School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen Aichele
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Ann Kralewski Van Denburg
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lillian Hoyer
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Steffany Joslin
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandria McKenna
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael Lincoln
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lia Closson
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Marjo Flykt
- Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Tampere, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Saara Salo
- Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ashley Harvey
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Zeynep Biringen
- Human Development and Family Studies and the Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Kaźmierczak M. Unraveling the link between family of origin and parental responsiveness toward own child. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1255490. [PMID: 37876622 PMCID: PMC10591072 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1255490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of family of origin on parental responsiveness toward own child, taking into account gender differences. A total of 110 triads of mothers, fathers, and their first child aged 6-10 months participated in the standardized Free Play procedure. Parental responsiveness was assessed through observational measures (using Ainsworth procedure) and self-reported scales (Parental Responsiveness Scale). Results revealed correlations between objectively assessed responsiveness and self-reported parental styles in the family of origin, separately for mothers and fathers. Among mothers having daughters, parental sensitivity (an important aspect of observationally measured responsiveness) was positively correlated with having had a liberal loving mother and a negative correlation with an autocratic mother. Cooperation (another aspect of observationally measured responsiveness) was correlated positively with having had a liberal loving mother. Meanwhile, having a liberal unloving mother predicted lover sensitivity and cooperation. Similar correlations were not observed for mothers having sons. Among fathers having daughters, both aspects of observed responsiveness were positively correlated with having had a democratic father and negatively with autocratic or liberal unloving parents. Moreover, having a liberal unloving father and autocratic mother predicted their lower responsiveness toward daughters. These findings highlight the role of family dynamics in shaping parental responsiveness and emphasize the importance of understanding these dynamics in promoting responsive parenting.
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Svendsrud H, Fredriksen E, Moe V, Smith L, Tsotsi S, Ullebø AK, Brean GV, Kaasen A, Bekkhus M. Becoming Dad: Expectant Fathers' Attachment Style and Prenatal Representations of the Unborn Child. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1187. [PMID: 37508684 PMCID: PMC10377903 DOI: 10.3390/children10071187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
How expectant fathers think and feel about the unborn child (prenatal representations), has shown associations with fathers' postnatal parenting behaviors, observed father-infant interactional quality and child cognitive development. There is limited knowledge about fathers' prenatal representations. The present study examined if fathers' partner-related attachment styles were related to their prenatal representations of the unborn child. In the "Little in Norway Study", an ongoing prospective, longitudinal population-based study, 396 expectant fathers completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale at enrollment (mean gestational week = 23.76, SD = 4.93), and in gestational weeks 27-35 completed three questions assessing prenatal representations. Correlations of attachment style and prenatal representations were reported using logistic regression analyses. We found that an avoidant attachment style by fathers were predicted to have absent or negative representations on all three items (1) "strongest feeling about the unborn child" (Cl = 1.19-2.73), (2) "thoughts about child personality" (Cl = 1.16-1.87), and (3) "experiences of relationship with the child" (Cl = 1.14-1.75). Father anxious attachment style was not significantly associated with absent or negative prenatal representations. Results suggest that expectant fathers with a partner related avoidant attachment style have an increased risk of having absent or negative prenatal representations of the unborn child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Svendsrud
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, 3103 Tønsberg, Norway
| | | | - Vibeke Moe
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stella Tsotsi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Gro Vatne Brean
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Southern and Eastern Norway, 0484 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Kaasen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mona Bekkhus
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
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