Siu A. Feasibility and Acceptability of Using FirstPlay® to Enhance Mother-Child Interaction: A pilot study of mothers' perspectives.
Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2023;
11:69-77. [PMID:
37334176 PMCID:
PMC10276530 DOI:
10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Although there is evidence that human touch facilitates mother-child bonding, mothers' understanding of how to connect with and develop the emotional regulation of their babies remains unclear.
Objectives
This study used a Storytelling Massage program to investigate mothers' experience of practicing reciprocal interactions with their children. Specifically, it explored the efficacy of multi-sensory activities for building healthy parent-child bonds.
Method
Participants included 12 mothers with children between 8 and 23 months. These mothers participated in a 6-session program on FirstPlay Infant Storytelling-Massage Intervention (FirstPlay Therapy) and attended an individual semi-structured interview after the program. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach.
Results
The FirstPlay program positively affected the participants' self-efficacy in parent-child bonding and parenting beliefs. Five themes were identified: "bonding with the child-connect and engage," "attending to the child's uniqueness and needs," "developing a structure and a daily routine," "feeling calm and relaxed as a person," and "gaining confidence as a mom."
Conclusion
The results of this study further support the need for low-cost, high-impact programs that enhance parent-child interactions. Limitations of this study are discussed. Future research and practical implications are also suggested.
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