Wiley: Infant Mental Health Journal: Infancy and Early Childhood: Table of Contents

Paternal perinatal mental health and early child development: An outcome‐wide analysis

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:21:59 -0700

Abstract

Paternal mental health (PMH) has been shown to associate with child development as early as infancy. However, the moderating effects of certain contextual factors remain poorly understood. Using data from the French SEPAGES cohort, an outcome-wide analytic approach was used to investigate the relationship between PMH during pregnancy (n = 166), 0–12 months postnatally (n = 117), and 12–24 months postnatally (n = 207) with child socioemotional, behavioral and cognitive outcomes at two and three years. Mother's mental health, child sex and parent's professional class were then tested as potential moderators. Findings revealed no significant associations between paternal depression or anxiety with any measure of child development. However, mother's professional class and maternal prenatal depression moderated the association between paternal anxiety and several areas of child development, with children of lower maternal professional classes showing poorer cognitive outcomes but improved social perception when exposed to paternal anxiety. Children exposed to paternal anxiety showed worse working memory outcomes and future-oriented tasks and organization when also exposed to maternal depression. While our findings contrast with current research, showing no relationship between PMH and child development, they highlight the importance of considering family socioeconomic position when studying the relationship between PMH and child development.

Helping families thrive while developing a strong working alliance: The benefits of Recipe 4 Success

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:27:31 -0700

Abstract

This study explored whether the strength of parent-home visitor working alliances might alter the benefits of Recipe 4 Success, a highly structured food-based curriculum designed to promote parents’ sensitive scaffolding, responsive food parenting practices, toddlers’ self-regulation, and healthy eating habits. This study included 242 parents and their toddlers residing in the United States, most of whom were living in poverty (37% white, 25% Black, 19% Latiné, 17% Multiracial, and 2% Asian; median income = $1555 per month). Families were randomly assigned to Recipe 4 Success or usual practice home visits within home visitor caseload. Home visitors tended to rate their working alliance as very strong versus less strong. Within-group regression equations revealed that, among families with a less strong working alliance, Recipe 4 Success was more effective than usual practice home visits in improving parents’ sensitive scaffolding, responsive food parenting practices, and toddlers’ self-regulation. In contrast, among families who had a strong working alliance, Recipe 4 Success was more effective than usual practice home visits in changing toddlers’ healthy eating habits, including reducing body mass index for toddlers with overweight/obesity. These findings highlight how families with varying strengths of working alliances may benefit differently from highly structured evidence-based curricula.

Parental mentalization of parents of children with disabilities: A scoping review

Ari Reich, Ayelet Gur — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:38:10 -0700

Abstract

The parenting experience of parents of children with disabilities is unique, encompassing both positive and challenging aspects. Parental mentalization (PM), the ability of parents to interpret and understand their children's inner world, has been identified as a crucial factor benefiting both parents and their children. However, the literature on PM in parents of children with disabilities would benefit from greater organization. This scoping review aims to address this gap by examining the existing research on PM in this population. The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review included studies retrieved from five databases: PsycNet, PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest, and EBSCO. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer-reviewed, published in English, and examined the PM abilities of parents of children with developmental disabilities. A total of 27 studies were identified, coded, and analyzed to generate key themes, including: (1) comparison of PM between groups, (2) associations between PM and demographic characteristics, (3) PM-focused interventions, and (4) variables associated with PM. The discussion highlights gaps in the current literature, offers recommendations for future research, and provides practical implications for supporting the PM of parents of children with disabilities.

Parental behaviors supporting child development in mothers of children with sex chromosome trisomies

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:53:38 -0700

Abstract

Sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs) are genetic conditions caused by the presence of an additional sex chromosome. While recent studies have focused on analyzing the early competencies of children with SCTs, relatively few have investigated aspects of parent-child interaction. No studies have yet examined how parents support the development of children with SCTs. This study aims to (1) identify differences in supportive parenting behaviors between mothers of children with SCTs and mothers of typically developing (TD) children, and (2) observe these behaviors longitudinally at 8 months (T1) and 24 months (T2). Participants included 36 Italian mother-child dyads (19 with SCTs and 17 TD). At both T1 and T2, ten-minute semi-structured play interactions were video-recorded and coded using PICCOLO. At 8 months, mothers in the SCT group demonstrated fewer responsive and teaching behaviors than mothers in the TD group, and exhibited fewer encouraging behaviors at 24 months. However, longitudinally, the same mothers exhibited significantly more responsive and teaching behaviors at T2 than at T1. In conclusion, while awareness of their children's condition, or differences in children's behavior, may affect how mothers interact with their children with SCTs, these mothers also exhibit parenting skills that could benefit from targeted interventions to support their children, who are more likely to exhibit developmental delays.

Activation parenting in mothers and fathers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:59:14 -0700

Abstract

Evolutionary-based theories of parenting, such as activation relationship theory, suggest that fathers may be more likely than mothers to engage in activation parenting, that is, interactions designed to stimulate and challenge children within acceptable limits. However, available evidence is mixed in identifying differences between mothers and fathers in activation parenting. Using two meta-analyses, we examined 1) mean differences and 2) associations in activation parenting exhibited by partnered mothers and fathers. The meta-analyses included 40 studies (38 unique samples, 76.3% collected in North America) with a total of 3,607 fathers and 3,707 mothers, and their children (M = 41.4 months; range = 3 months to 19.9 years). Most parents were white and from a mid-high socioeconomic status. The first meta-analysis showed that fathers displayed higher activation parenting than mothers, with a small effect size: g = .27, 95% CI [.17, .37], p < .001. Differences were larger in studies examining rough-and-tumble play. A strong correlation between partnered parents’ activation parenting levels emerged in the second meta-analysis: r = .33, 95% CI [.19, .45], p < .001. These results highlight the importance of continuing research on activation parenting across diverse types of parents.

Connection after correction: Parent‐child relationships following early cardiac surgery

Tamera A. Clancy, Frank Muscara, Carolina de Weerth, Brigid Jordan — Fri, 15 May 2026 08:33:06 -0700

Abstract

Early cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) may have enduring effects on the parent-child emotional connection and a child's capacity for regulation. This study explored emotional availability in parent-child interaction following early cardiac surgery in relation to emotional and behavioral regulation in children and identified early predictors. Participants were 23 preschool-aged children with CHD and their parents from a longitudinal cohort assessed at infancy (post-surgery) and preschool age in Australia. Dyadic interaction was assessed using the Emotional Availability Scales (EA), and parents reported on child's emotional and behavioral regulation. Predictors included infant social-emotional functioning, parental attachment feelings and traumatic stress, hospitalization length, timing of diagnosis and duration of contact at birth. Over 50% of dyads demonstrated emotional availability, however 30% were classified as complicated and 12% detached. Greater parental sensitivity was associated with less externalizing behavior. Longer hospitalization was associated with lower child involvement and greater parental intrusiveness. Contact at birth was associated with greater emotional availability and more optimal parental structuring at preschool. Findings highlight the enduring impact of early medical adversity on emotional availability in CHD and illuminate effects on both child and parent. Future research should explore targeted interventions that buffer relational disruptions in medically vulnerable dyads.

Mothers' responses to relational savoring as a function of attachment: A qualitative study

Fri, 15 May 2026 08:32:11 -0700

Abstract

A person's state of mind with respect to attachment, measured by the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), represents how the individual perceives, accesses, and processes attachment-related content. One's state of mind with respect to attachment is thought to guide behavior in relationships, including caregiving relationships, and thus may have important implications for parents’ engagement in parenting interventions. Relational savoring (RS) is a brief attachment-based intervention that has been shown to increase mothers’ parenting sensitivity, feelings of closeness to their child, and positive emotion. However, it remains unknown how mothers with different attachment profiles respond to this intervention. In the current illustrative multiple case study, we examine how three mothers (M_age = 31.0 years, SD_age = 1.0) of young children in the United States classified with different states of mind with respect to attachment respond to RS. First, we provide samples of mothers’ AAI discourse to illustrate their states of mind with respect to attachment. Next, we analyze their responses during RS sessions using a qualitative approach. Results demonstrate differences in mothers’ attachment-related discourse, capacity for reflection, and change processes during the intervention that varied by attachment profile. We discuss the implications of these findings for RS and other parenting interventions.

Infant negative affect, maternal intrusiveness, and child outcomes: The moderating role of maternal mind‐mindedness in shaping psychopathology risk or resilience

Bat‐El Terehovsky Hagai, Tzlil Einziger, Tahl I. Frenkel — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:56:01 -0700

Abstract

Infant temperamental negative affect (NA) poses transdiagnostic risk for psychopathology. Risk often operates indirectly through caregiving, as high NA infants tend to elicit intrusive parental responses. The present study examined whether maternal mind-mindedness (MM), moderates the longitudinal indirect pathway from infant NA, through concurrent maternal intrusive behavior, to child internalizing/externalizing symptoms at 5.5 years. Eighty-eight mother–infant dyads participated (55.7% male, all White, 70.2% middle-high socioeconomic status). Infant NA, maternal intrusiveness, and representational and interactional measures of MM were observed at 4 months. Mothers reported child symptoms at 5.5 years. Representational MM moderated the indirect pathway from infant NA to child symptoms through maternal intrusiveness. At low MM, infant-NA was significantly associated with increased maternal intrusiveness and subsequent risk for externalizing symptoms. At high MM, infant-NA was significantly associated with lower maternal intrusiveness and subsequent reduced externalizing symptoms, thereby creating a developmental advantage for high-NA infants relative to their low-NA counterparts. Findings underscore maternal representational MM as a protective buffer against NA-related risk. Methodological considerations are discussed regarding the employment of interactional versus representational measures of MM. Clinical implications of MM are discussed as a promising target for early interventions, particularly in the context of high-NA infants.

Beyond the clinic: Understanding parents' views on extended home visits by public health nurses

Maria J. Leirbakk, Stina Dolvik, Johan Torper, Jeanette H. Magnus — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:56:00 -0700

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated parental views on an extended home visit program by public health nurses (PHNs) using focus groups and individual interviews with first-time parents in Oslo, Norway. Participant responses to semi-structured questions were analysed using the recursive process for thematic analysis. Findings revealed a significant demand for enhanced support mechanisms. Through trust-building experiences during home visits, parents overcame initial scepticism rooted in vulnerability and fear of judgement. Participants emphasized the need for increased support during pregnancy and postnatal periods, addressing emotional concerns and the need of encouragement. Home visits were perceived as praxis-oriented, focusing on strengths and resources, and more informal than Child Health Clinic consultations. The accessibility of nurses and direct contact via mobile phones enhanced service quality and trust. Home visits targeting all new families mitigated stigmatization and ensured high utilization when delivered with proportionate universalism. Participating families endorsed integrating a universal home visit program into the Norwegian Child Health Clinic services. Key elements and principles were delineated, leading to a blueprint for future integration, emphasizing relational continuity and tailored support.

Indicators of maternal anxiety, stress, and depression and developmental outcomes in preterm children: A systematic review

Bianca Basso Rustiguelli da Silva, Cláudia Maria Gaspardo — Thu, 14 May 2026 01:52:38 -0700

Abstract

The study was conducted in Brazil and aimed to systematically review empirical research examining the association between maternal indicators of anxiety, stress, and depression and the developmental outcomes of preterm children. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS, and SciELO. Sixteen studies were analyzed. The systematic review revealed a significant association between maternal anxiety, depression, and stress indicators and poorer developmental outcomes for children born prematurely. This association was observed whether it was considered a single indicator of maternal mental health or a combination of two or more indicators. The systematic review affirms the impact of maternal mental health on the development of preterm children in early childhood.

Parent and practitioner perspectives on the acceptability, impact and logic model for ‘ready to relate’: An intervention to promote parent‐infant relationships

Thu, 14 May 2026 01:49:53 -0700

Abstract

Parent-infant relationships are the foundation of child development. Ready to Relate (R2R) is a novel flexible intervention to enhance parent knowledge and awareness related to healthy parent-infant relationships including brain development, infant cues, and sensitive, responsive and attuned parenting. It is highly visual and designed to be accessible across cultures and language levels. This study explored parent and practitioner perspectives on the acceptability and impacts of R2R and used workshops to coproduce a logic model. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with practitioners (N = 14) and parents (N = 18) in Bradford, UK, found that R2R was perceived to have positive outcomes for infants, parents, practitioners, and on others in the wider system. Potential mechanisms through which R2R promotes conversations about parent-infant relationships and facilitates positive change were identified and documented in the logic model. The relational parent-practitioner context was highlighted as critical for ensuring positive impacts and preventing unintended negative consequences. This study suggests that R2R may offer application in multiple delivery contexts and may generate positive impacts for parents and infants from diverse backgrounds. The logic model will guide further research to systematically evaluate outcomes from this promising intervention and support clinical application.

Exploring the infant's experience of the infant‐clinician relationship in the neonatal intensive care unit: A phenomenological study

Natalie Duffy, Leah Hickey, Karli Treyvaud, Clare Delany — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:25:34 -0700

Abstract

Infants engage with their world through a complex system of relationships, a reality that becomes especially salient in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where infants encounter numerous healthcare professionals. Secure connections between infants and caregivers are critical to psychological, emotional, and physical development, yet little research has examined how infants experience their relationships with healthcare professionals in NICU.

This qualitative phenomenological study, conducted in an Australian NICU, explored the infant's experience of connection and relationship-building with their healthcare professionals. Term-born infants, their parents, and members of their healthcare teams were purposively sampled. Data were generated through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, providing rich insight into the infant's relational world. Thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) the complexity of infant–clinician relational dynamics; (2) the infant within the relational space; and (3) barriers and challenges within the infant-clinician relationship. Findings highlight the complexity and fragility of infant–clinician relationships, which were frequently centred on physical survival, sometimes limiting attention to the infant's emotional safety and early relational health. These results highlight the importance of recognising infants as relational beings and calls for neonatal practice to prioritise developmentally supportive and emotionally attuned caregiving.

Mothers’ understanding of and attitudes towards providing support for paternal post‐partum depression

Charlotte E. M. Barry, Alison Hassall, Dave S. Pasalich — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:24:26 -0700

Abstract

Although paternal post-partum depression (PPD) significantly impacts the mental wellbeing of fathers and their families, there are many barriers to fathers being assessed and supported for PPD. Given mothers are positioned both close to fathers and healthcare services, we employed mixed-methods to investigate mothers’ potential role in facilitating fathers’ recognition of and help-seeking for PPD. In Study 1, 189 mothers in Australia (M age = 35.0, 78.9% Australian-European) completed an online survey assessing mothers’ levels of mental health literacy regarding paternal PPD. Results showed that 86.8% of mothers correctly recognized paternal PPD, 84.7% recommended professional help options, and almost all mothers were either likely or very likely to recommend professional help-seeking. In Study 2, 15 Australian mothers (M age = 37.4, 93.3% Australian-European) participated in qualitative interviews to explore mothers’ willingness and capacity to facilitate fathers’ recognition of and support for paternal PPD. Findings suggested that mothers’ capacity and willingness to adopt this facilitative role may be undermined by poor-quality partner relationships, the all-encompassing experience of early motherhood, and stigma regarding men's mental health; however, certain health care practices could target such barriers. Together, these findings have important implications for policy and practice regarding paternal PPD and family support.

Perinatal interventions for parents with exposure to adverse childhood experiences: A narrative review of suitability for implementation in primary care

Joann J. Chen, Katherine Magnuson, Veronica Bordes Edgar, Sunita M. Stewart — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:12 -0700

Abstract

Children of parents exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face elevated risk of experiencing biopsychosocial challenges. Primary care screening for parental ACEs is increasing, and routine primary care touchpoints may reach parents with exposure to ACEs during the critical perinatal period. This review seeks to 1) evaluate existing perinatal interventions—including those not designed for primary care—for suitability for primary care implementation and 2) identify implementation factors missing from existing interventions that may enhance their implementation in primary care. The PubMed database was searched for articles in English reporting on randomized controlled trials of perinatal interventions among parents with exposure to ACEs. Fourteen articles detailing 14 unique interventions were included in the qualitative synthesis. Data were extracted on intervention characteristics identified by implementation research as relevant to primary care: evidence of benefit, applicability and relevance, complexity, clarity, practicality and utility, costs, and adaptability. Ten interventions were found to be effective for parents with greater exposure to ACEs; however, the variability within the interventions and relevant settings suggests nuanced decision-making is required to match interventions to settings. The current review offers primary care providers a framework for matching and adapting such interventions.

Measuring the consultative stance among infant and early childhood mental health consultants

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:21:34 -0700

Abstract

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a preventative intervention that is theorized to mediate its impacts through the consultative stance, described as a consultant's “way of being” in relationship. However, limited tools are available to measure the elements of the consultative stance or the degree to which consultants and supervisors assess its implementation. This study describes the conceptualization, development, and piloting of a set of tools in the United States measuring the consultative stance for use by consultants and supervisors, the Consultative Stance Learning and Measurement tools (CSLM). The CSLM includes the Consultant Self Reflection (CSR) and the Supervisor Survey (SS). Seventy-six consultants and 28 supervisors completed the tools at least once, with 48 consultants completing the tool at three timepoints. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the theorized latent structure of the tool, providing good support for the CSR and moderate support for the SS. Over time, consultants and supervisors increasingly aligned in their perceptions of consultant implementation of the consultative stance, though consultants rated their implementation lower than supervisors. The tools advance the field's capacity to measure the impact of IECMHC and provide targeted information for ongoing reflective supervision and training, as consultants develop their practice.

Development and application of the Parental Mental Health Literacy Scale for children aged 0–6

Kang Wu, Lian Tong — Tue, 05 May 2026 09:29:31 -0700

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate the Parental Mental Health Literacy (PMHL) Scale for caregivers of children aged 0–6 years. Initial items were developed based on established mental health literacy and health literacy frameworks and were piloted among 1074 caregivers of children aged 0–6 years in Shanghai, China. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblique rotation identified a four-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis was subsequently conducted to examine the dimensionality of the scale and to compare alternative models, including one-factor, higher-order, and bifactor models. The bifactor model demonstrated the best fit to the data (RMSEA = .088, CFI = .931, TLI = .917). The final version consisted of 28 items across four dimensions: recognition, help-seeking, awareness of parenting and parent–child interaction. Criterion validity was examined using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Early Warning Signs Checklist (WSC). PMHL scores showed modest negative correlations with children's emotional and behavioral difficulties. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α = .98; ωh = .89). These findings suggest that the PMHL may serve as a useful instrument for assessing parental mental health literacy in early childhood, although further validation in more diverse samples is warranted.

Psychological safety as a foundation for equity‐focused reflective supervision

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:28:50 -0700

Abstract

Reflective supervision (RS) is a central component of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC), providing mental health consultants (MHCs) with space to slow down, reflect on practice, and cultivate professional growth. This exploratory qualitative study examined how MHCs build the capacity and skills needed to develop an equity stance through RS. Sixteen mostly white and Hispanic MHCs from a Southwestern IECMHC program participated in individual interviews about their supervisory relationships and experiences addressing equity issues. Data were analyzed inductively to identify patterns and generate an emerging framework grounded in participants’ experiences. We identified a developmental and relational process in which supervisors’ behaviors gradually built trust and connection, cultivating safety as the foundation for reflective and equity-focused dialogue. Two interconnected themes captured this progression: (1) supervisors’ behaviors that cultivate safety and foster equity dialogue, and (2) consultants’ experiences of felt safety that support their willingness and vulnerability to engage in, or withhold from, equity dialogue. These findings align with relational-developmental and parallel process models of RS, extending existing literature by illustrating how intentional, equity-centered supervision supports consultants’ capacity to engage in reflection and promote equitable outcomes for diverse children and families.

The intergenerational transmission of reflective functioning in adoptive families: A prospective study from pre‐adoption to early adolescence

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:21:06 -0700

Abstract

Parental reflective functioning is crucial for the development of children's reflective functioning, with cross-sectional evidence supporting this idea. However, there is a lack of long-term, prospective studies in this area and no previous studies have examined parental reflective functioning and child reflective functioning in the context of adoption. Using a structural equation modeling approach, this study addressed this knowledge gap by examining the associations between 96 Belgian adoptive mothers’ and fathers’ reflective functioning during the transition to adoptive parenthood, their levels of parental reflective functioning during their adopted child's early childhood, and the children's reflective functioning in early adolescence (M _age = 12 years, SD = .58, range = 11–13; 17 boys, 11 girls). Findings showed that parents’ pre-adoptive reflective functioning was positively associated with parental reflective functioning in early childhood. Parental reflective functioning in early childhood, but not pre-adoptive reflective functioning, predicted child reflective functioning in early adolescence. Maternal reflective functioning mediated the association between pre-adoptive reflective functioning and child reflective functioning. Although the small sample size precludes drawing strong conclusions from this study, this study provides new evidence for the intergenerational transmission of reflective functioning even in the context of adoption. Implications for future research are discussed.

Resilience in the early postpartum period: Buffering the impact of maternal ACEs on infant socioemotional development

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:05:48 -0700

Abstract

Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with infant socioemotional problems. This longitudinal study investigated whether maternal resilience in the early postpartum period moderates the association between maternal ACEs and infant socioemotional problems at 6-months postpartum. One hundred twenty-eight mothers from Canada (92.2% White) reported their ACEs during pregnancy, resilience at 2-weeks postpartum, and their infants’ socioemotional development at 6-months postpartum. Regression analyses revealed that higher maternal ACE exposure was associated with greater infant socioemotional problems. Higher maternal resilience at 2-weeks postpartum was associated with fewer infant socioemotional problems. A significant interaction between ACEs and resilience indicated that resilience buffered the association of ACEs and infant socioemotional problems, but only among mothers reporting three or fewer ACEs. These findings align with evidence suggesting that four or more ACEs represent a threshold of heightened risk and highlight the early postpartum period as a critical window for resilience-focused interventions.

ISSUE INFORMATION

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Infant Mental Health Journal: Infancy and Early Childhood, Volume 47, Issue 4, July 2026.