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- Development of the virtual-VIPP and a systematic review of online support for families during the COVID-19 pandemicPublication . Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Stevens, Eloise; Bakermans-Kranenburg, MarianDuring the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns made it impossible for parenting coaches to reach the families without digital means of communication. Several studies were initiated to transform existing parenting interventions into hybrid or fully online versions and to examine their feasibility, acceptability and efficacy. We present one such transformation in detail, the Virtual-VIPP which is based on Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD). Furthermore, we report a systematic review of 17 published trials with online versions of parenting programs. Overall, online parenting interventions seem feasible to implement, are well-received by most families, and to show equivalent effects to face-to-face approaches. Careful preparation of technicalities and monitoring of fidelity are prerequisites. Advantages of online parenting interventions are their potentially broader reach, more detailed process documentation, and better cost-utility balance. We expect that online parenting interventions are here to stay, but their efficacy needs to be rigorously tested.
- Innovations in attachment-based interventions in pandemic times: Feasibility of online attachment-based interventionsPublication . Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian
- Maternal cognitive functioning and psychopathology predict quality of parent-child relationship in the context of substance use disorder: A 15-month longitudinal studyPublication . PORRECA, ALESSIO; DE CARLI, PIETRO; Filippi, Bianca; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; van IJzendoorn, Marinus; SIMONELLI, ALESSANDRAThis longitudinal study aimed to investigate the role of maternal cognitive functioning and psychopathology in parent-child relationship quality during residential treatment for mothers with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), in order to identify factors that may enhance or limit intervention effects. We assessed cognitive functioning (Esame Neuropsicologico Breve-2 [ENB-2]) and psychopathology (Symptom Checklist-90 Revised [SCL-90-R]) in 60 mothers diagnosed with SUD (Mage = 30.13 yrs; SD = 6.79) at treatment admission. Parent-child relationship quality was measured during free-play interactions using the Emotional Availability Scales every three months from admission (Child Mage = 17.17m; SD = 23.60) to the 15th month of the residential treatment. A main effect of maternal psychopathology and an interaction effect of time and cognitive functioning were found. More maternal psychopathology predicted lower mother-child relationship quality. Mothers with higher cognitive functioning presented a better treatment trajectory, with an increase in mother-child relationship quality, whereas mothers with lower cognitive functioning showed a decrease in relationship quality after initial improvement. These findings suggest that maternal psychopathology and cognitive functioning may influence the treatment of parent-child relationships in the context of SUD, although causality is not yet established. Implications for assessment and intervention are discussed.
- Neural processing of cry sounds in the transition to fatherhood: Effects of a prenatal intervention program and associations with paternal caregivingPublication . Thijssen, Sandra; Alyousefi-van Dijk, Kim; De Waal, Noor; Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J.This study examined whether neural processing of infant cry sounds changes across the transition to fatherhood (i.e., from the prenatal to postnatal period), and examined whether an interaction-based prenatal intervention modulated these changes. Furthermore, we explored whether postnatal activation in brain regions showing transition or intervention effects was associated with sensitive care and involvement. In a randomized controlled trial, 73 first-time expectant fathers were enrolled, of whom 59 had at least 1 available fMRI scan. Intervention and transition effects on cry processing were analyzed in the amygdala and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) using linear mixed effect models with all available data and with intent-to-treat analyses. Further, exploratory whole-brain analyses were performed. ROI analyses suggest that the transition to fatherhood is characterized by decreasing activation in response to cry vs control sounds in the amygdala but not SFG. Exploratory whole-brain analyses also show a decrease in activation over the transition to fatherhood in the sensorimotor cortex, superior lateral occipital cortex, hippocampus, and regions of the default mode network. In the putamen and insula, larger decreases were found in fathers with more adverse childhood caregiving experiences. In regions showing transitional changes, higher postnatal activation was associated with more concurrent parenting sensitivity. No effects of the intervention were found. The decrease in activation from the pre- to postnatal period may reflect fathers’ habituation to cry sounds over repeated exposures. The positive association between postnatal neural activation and paternal sensitive care suggest that continued sensitivity to cry sounds may be conducive to parenting quality.
- Facing ostracism: Micro-coding facial expressions in the Cyberball social exclusion paradigmPublication . Mulder, Riaan; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; Veenstra, Johan; Tiemeier, Henning; Van IJzendoorn, MarinusBackground Social exclusion is often measured with the Cyberball paradigm, a computerized ball-tossing game. Most Cyberball studies, however, used self-report questionnaires, leaving the data vulnerable to reporter bias, and associations with individual characteristics have been inconsistent. Methods In this large-scale observational study, we video-recorded 4,813 10-year-old children during Cyberball and developed a real-time micro-coding method measuring facial expressions of anger, sadness and contempt, in a multiethnic population-based sample. We estimated associations between facial expressions and self-reported negative feelings, explored associations of child characteristics such as sex and parental national origin with observed and selfreported feelings during social exclusion, and tested associations of observed and self-reported feelings during social exclusion with behavior problems at age 14. Results Facial expressions of sadness and anger were associated with self-reported negative feelings during the game, but not with such feelings after the game. Further, girls reported to have had less negative feelings during the game than boys, but no such sex-differences were found in total observed emotions. Likewise, children with parents of Moroccan origin reported less negative feelings during the game than Dutch children, but their facial expressions did not indicate that they were differently affected. Last, observed emotions related negatively to later internalizing problems, whereas self-report on negative feelings during the game related positively to later internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions We show that facial expressions are associated with self-reported negative feelings during social exclusion, discuss that reporter-bias might be minimized using facial expressions, and find divergent associations of observed facial expressions and self-reported negative feelings with later internalizing problems.
- Attachment goes to court: child protection and custody issuesPublication . Forslund, Tommie; Granqvist, Pehr; Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Sagi-Schwartz, Avi; Glaser, Danya; Steele, Miriam; Hammarlund, Mårten; Schuengel, Carlo; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J.; Steele, Howard; Shaver, Phillip R.; Lux, Ulrike; Simmonds, John; Jacobvitz, Deborah; Groh, Ashley; Bernard, Kristin; Cyr, Chantal; Hazen, Nancy; Foster, Sarah; Psouni, Elia; Cowan, Philip A.; Pape Cowan, Carolyn; Rifkin-Graboi, Anne; Wilkins, David; Pierrehumbert, Blaise; Tarabulsy, George M.; Cárcamo, Rodrigo; Wang, Zhengyan; Liang, Xi; Kazmierczak, Maria; Pawlicka, Paulina; Ayiro, Lilian; Kabali, Tamara Chansa; Sichimba, Francis; Mooya, Haatembo; McLean, Loyola; Veríssimo, Manuela; Gojman-de-Millán, Sonia; Moretti, Marlene M.; Bacro, Fabien; Peltola, Mikko; Galbally, Megan; Kondo-Ikemura, Kiyomi; Behrens, Kazuko Y.; Scott, Stephen; Fresno, Andrés; Spencer, Rosario; Posada, Germán; Cassibba, Rosalinda; Barrantes-Vidal, Neus; Palacios, Jesús; BARONE, LAVINIA; Madigan, Sheri; Jones-Mason, Karen; Reijman, Sophie; Juffer, Femmie; Pasco Fearon, R.; Bernier, Annie; Cicchetti, Dante; Reijman, Sophie; Cassidy, Jude; Kindler, Heinz; Zimmermann, Peter; Feldman, Ruth; Spangler, Gottfried; Zeanah, Charles; Dozier, Mary; Belsky, Jay; Lamb, Jason; Duschinsky, RobbieAttachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. The article is divided into two parts. In the first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments o attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration.
- Oxytocin and state attachment responses to secure base support after stress in middle childhoodPublication . Cuyvers, Bien; Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; Verhaeghe, Johan; Molenberghs, Geert; LAFIT, GINETTE; Houbrechts, Melisse; Bosmans, GuyWe tried to replicate the finding that receiving care increases children’s oxytocin and secure state attachment levels, and tested whether secure trait attachment moderates the oxytocin and state attachment response to care. 109 children (9-11 years old; M = 9.59; SD = 0.63; 34.9% boys) participated in a within-subject experiment. After stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test), children first remained alone and then received maternal secure base support. Salivary oxytocin was measured eight times. Secure trait and state attachment were measured with questionnaires, and Secure Base Script knowledge was assessed. Oxytocin levels increased after receiving secure base support from mother after having been alone. Secure state attachment changed less. Trait attachment and Secure Base Script knowledge did not moderate oxytocin or state attachment responses to support. This might mean that, regardless of the attachment history, in-the-moment positive attachment experiences might have a beneficial effect on trait attachment development in middle childhood.
- The polygenic and reactive nature of observed parentingPublication . Runze, Jana; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; Cecil, Charlotte A M; van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Pappa, IreneIn Wertz et al. (2019), parents' polygenic scores of educational attainment (PGS-EA) predicted parental sensitive responses to the child's needs for support, as observed in a dyadic task (i.e., observed sensitivity). We aimed to replicate and expand these findings by combining longitudinal data, child genotype data and several polygenic scores in the Generation R Study. Mother–child dyads participated in two developmental periods, toddlerhood (14 months old; n = 648) and early childhood (3–4 years old, n = 613). Higher maternal PGS-EA scores predicted higher observed sensitivity in toddlerhood (b = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03, 0.20) and early childhood (b = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.24). Child PGS-EA was significantly associated with maternal sensitivity in early childhood (b = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02, 0.21), and the effect of maternal PGS-EA was no longer significant when correcting for child PGS-EA. A latent factor of PGSs based on educational attainment, intelligence (IQ) and income showed similar results. These polygenic scores might be associated with maternal cognitive and behavioral skills that help shape parenting. Maternal PGSs predicted observed sensitivity over and above the maternal phenotypes, showing an additional role for PGSs in parenting research. In conclusion, we replicated the central finding of Wertz et al. (2019) that parental PGS-EA partially explains parental sensitivity. Our findings may be consistent with evocative gene–environment correlation (rGE), emphasizing the dynamic nature of parenting behavior across time, although further research using family trios is needed to adequately test this hypothesis.
- Couples’ empathy and sensitive responsiveness to a crying baby simulatorPublication . Kazmierczak, Maria; Pawlicka, Paulina; Anikiej-Wiczenbach, Paulina; Łada-Maśko, Ariadna; Van IJzendoorn, Marinus; Bakermans-Kranenburg, MarianEmotional empathy has been linked to prosocial behaviors and is deemed crucial for parenting and caring for infants. This study examined whether emotional empathy (dispositional and in response to infant crying) is associated with sensitive responsiveness, as observed in 221 heterosexual couples (half of whom were expecting their first child) during a standardized caregiving situation. Simulators resembling real infants were used. Caregiving performed by each partner individually and as a couple was observed using the Ainsworth sensitivity scale. The partners rated their own empathy and their perceived partner’s empathy toward the infant simulator. The Polish version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to measure dispositional emotional empathy (empathic concern, EC; personal distress, PD). Multilevel modeling showed that self-reported and partner-reported empathy elicited by the infant simulator mediated the association between dispositional empathic concern and sensitive responsiveness during caretaking. Women were more empathic and responsive while caring for the infant simulator, and couple sensitive responsiveness was predicted by higher dispositional EC and lower PD in women but not in men. Our findings suggest that dispositional empathy and empathic reactions toward an infant simulator might translate into better adjustment to parenthood and more responsive parenting and coparenting.
- Sensitive responsiveness in expectant and new fathersPublication . Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J.; Van IJzendoorn, MarinusFathers have an increasingly important role in the family and contribute through their sensitive responsiveness to positive child development. Research on parenting more often included fathers as caregivers in the past two decades. We present a neurobiological model of sensitive responsive parenting with a role for fathers’ hormonal levels and neural connectivity and processing of infant signals. We tested this model in a research program (“Father Trials”) with correlational and randomized experimental studies, and we review the results of these studies. So far, interaction-focused behavioral interventions seem most promising in supporting fathers’ sensitive responsiveness, even though the mechanisms are still uncharted.