Treating Parent-Infant Relationship Problems: Strategies for Intervention » (1st Edition)

Arnold J. Sameroff, PhD, is a developmental psychologist who specializes in infant mental health. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan, where he is also Director of the Center for Development and Mental Health at the Center for Human Growth and Development. Dr. Sameroff's theoretical and empirical writings have been a foundation for the field of developmental psychopathology. After serving as president of the International Society on Infant Studies, he is now president-elect of the Society for Research in Child Development.

Susan C. McDonough, PhD, MSW, is a social worker who specializes in treating relationship problems of parents and infants with special needs. She is an associate research scientist in the School of Social Work and the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. Dr. McDonough directs the University of Michigan Post-Graduate Certificate Training Program in Clinical Work with Infants, Toddlers and Their Families, and is an international consultant for infant and family mental health programs.

Katherine L. Rosenblum, PhD, is a clinical and developmental psychologist who specializes in research on parents' representations of their infants and on infant emotional development. She is an assistant research investigator at the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. Dr. Rosenblum has taught the clinical applications of attachment research to multidisciplinary groups at the University of Michigan and the University of Vienna.

Within a developmental framework, this book guides the clinician to understand the different types of problems that parents have with infants and to determine how a given family might best be served--whether by addressing health concerns that are affecting infant behavior, modifying parental beliefs or expectations, or improving key caregiving skills. Leading interdisciplinary experts detail their respective therapeutic models in a practical, clinician-friendly format, including intervention guidelines and illustrative case material. Special topics covered include working with families of infants with special needs and with those at risk for child maltreatment.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description:This guide to treating parent-infant relationship problems posits that understanding relationships is related to infant mental health. This book is a result of a meeting of experts in child and family work at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 2001.
Purpose:According to the editors, "this book presents a range of therapies that address the connections between infant-caregiver relationships and infant mental health. Within a cutting-edge conceptual framework, leading experts describe ways to intervene in early interactional difficulties, promote more sensitive and responsive parenting, and support the healthy development of children and families." The book meets these worthy objectives.
Audience:The book, according to the editors, "provides invaluable knowledge and tools for clinicians who work with parents and infants, as well as students and researchers in clinical and developmental psychology, psychiatry, social work, pediatrics, nursing, and occupational therapy. It will serve as a text in courses and clinical training programs related to infant mental health." The editors and contributors are credible authorities. The editors are all from the University of Michigan and work at the Center for Human Growth and Development. Dr. Sameroff is currently President of the International Society on Infant Studies.
Features:The book begins with theory, addressing ports of entry and understanding mother-infant interactions. Various treatment strategies are discussed including interaction guidance, relationship-based approach, treating infants in their families, and sensory processing. These chapters are very practical and include case material. Thus, the clinician has options to choose from because no two children or families are alike. Daniel Stern's chapter on "The Motherhood Constellation" (chapter 2) is excellent because it helps the reader understand parenting from the mother's point of view and the many changes she experiences through pregnancy and birth. Dr. Stern is one of the foremost experts in the field of infant mental health.
Assessment:This is an excellent resource for practitioners dealing with infants and their families. Theory is followed by practice, which helps the clinician use the material in session. The editors and contributors are renowned experts in this field. I like the fact that the material directs the reader to not see one identified patient but to adopt a systems approach. The one limitation may also be its strength, i.e. the book focuses exclusively on very early childhood and nothing else. However, understanding these early days will help any clinician better understand older clients since many problems have very early roots. I highly recommend this book.