Evaluation of an intervention programme to support mothers and babies at psychosocial risk: assessment of mother/child interaction and mother's perceptions of benefit

The outcome of a short-term intervention programme for mothers at psychosoc ial risk was evaluated. The study included 63 mothers and their 0-6-month-o ld babies who participated in a 6-week intensive treatment programme. Mothe r-child interaction was assessed in the beginning and at the end of treatme nt by two independent staff members based on direct observation, and by two control raters who observed video recordings which were arranged in blind order. The mothers were interviewed about the treatment retrospectively. A positive change in several aspects of mother-child interaction, according t o the assessments made by the raters and according to the mothers themselve s. The number of mothers who were positive toward the treatment rose from 3 4 in the beginning of the treatment to 56 at the end. In conclusion, a shor t but intensive intervention seems to have a positive outcome on mother-chi ld interaction, and was in most cases linked to a positive attitude.