Head start is too late: integrating and applying infant observation studies, and attachment, trauma, and neurobiological research to groups with pregnant and new mothers.
In this paper new knowledge generated from theoretical and empirical work in infant observation studies and attachment, trauma, and neurobiology research is integrated and applied to the development of a group for pregnant and new mothers. The purposes of this group were to (1) promote the establishment of a secure base for each baby through optimum self and dyadic affect regulation, the repair of ruptures, and the emergence of positive heightened affective moments; (2) to facilitate secure attachment between mother and infant by helping mothers mentalize the experiences of their babies; (3) to build affiliative bonds between group members and; at the very least, (4) to prevent insecure disorganized attachments. The group interactions also were thought to prevent new psychopathology from developing, as well as to minimize the intergenerational transmission of trauma. A discussion of how this group came out of gestation and birthed itself in a community setting is included.
UCLA School of Medicine, USA. Iharwood@ucla.edu
Irene
I
Harwood
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009446:Neurobiology / Q000379:methods*; D009769:Object Attachment; D019370:Observation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors