Early observations of vulnerability in parent infant relationships.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study to evaluate the potential of using an observation tool (PIIOS) for parent child interaction in the first two weeks of Life
IRAS ID
173166
Contact name
Aideen M Naughton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
Emotional development of children is largely dependent upon the quality of parent-child interactions. Existing research suggests the need for early identification of parent infant pairs that are at ‘risk’ in terms of their interaction, in order to reduce the number of infants who are vulnerable to later problems with depression, anxiety and aggression. Early identification of vulnerability, permits an efficient and effective use of limited resources with a targeted approach using evidence based interventions. This is a feasibility study to evaluate the potential of using an observation tool for parent child interaction (The Parent Infant Interaction Observation Scale) in the first two weeks of life. The tool has previously been validated for use between 2 and 7 months of age. Findings from this early observation will be correlated with a further observation at 8-10 weeks postnatal. Parents of all babies born at University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Spring 2016, who live in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area, and where the mother and baby are back living at home within the first two weeks of life, will be eligible to take part in the study. Background information will be obtained from hospital records with consent and supplemented by a short questionnaire at the time of the observation. There will be two approximate 3-4 minute audio-video recorded observations carried out, the first within the first two weeks of life (Time 1) in the home and the second when the baby is between 8 and 10 weeks of age (Time 2.)
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
16/WA/0038
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion