Assessment of parental sensitivity: Bridging science and child welfare practice

Research output: PhD ThesisPhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal

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Abstract

Parental sensitivity has consistently been found predictive of a broad range of developmental outcomes. Thus, it is widely advised to support families therewith. To target families in need of this support, practitioners need instruments that are not only reliable and valid, but also feasible and suitable for use in daily practice. This doctoral dissertation first aimed to provide practitioners with such an observational instrument for assessment of parental sensitivity. Since other parental behaviors have also been found predictive of child developmental outcomes, the dissertation secondly aimed to examine what other parental behavior needs to be assessed beyond parental sensitivity. For its first aim, a better understanding of the requirements of an instrument for observational assessment of parent-child interaction that withstands the constraints of daily practice was sought. Two consecutive studies were conducted to test visualizations as alternative formats to traditional textual instruments. As an alternative format for observational instruments for assessment of parent-child interaction decision trees showed promising characteristics. Building thereon the Opvoeder-Kind Interactie (Caregiver-Child Interaction; OK!) app and e-learning package was developed, and the psychometric qualities of the OK! package were tested. Initial evidence for reliability and validity of the OK! package for observational assessment of parental sensitivity was found. For the dissertations second aim, examining what other parental behavior needs to be assessed beyond parental sensitivity, longitudinal data of European American dyads of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development were used. With these data unique linkages among parental sensitivity, other parental behaviors—parental intrusiveness and detachment, stimulation of cognitive development, positive and negative regard, and flatness of affect—, and outcome domains—Emotional Regulation Problems, Self-Concept, Coping, and Problem Behavior—deemed relevant for child welfare were untangled. Beyond parental sensitivity no other parental behaviors were robustly associated with child developmental outcomes, although stimulation of cognitive developed showed unique predictive value for Problem Behavior during primary school. In conclusion, this dissertation addressed gaps in child welfare practice by bringing about the Opvoeder-Kind Interactie (Caregiver-Child Interaction; OK!) app and e-learning package, and shedding light on parsimonious assessment. This brings practitioners one step closer to incorporating structured and transparent observational assessment of parental sensitivity as standard care in their daily routine, enhancing support and shared decision making for children and families.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationPhD
Awarding Institution
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Schuengel, Carlo, Supervisor
  • Oosterman, Mirjam, Co-supervisor
Award date4 Mar 2025
Print ISBNs9789464737219
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Mar 2025

Keywords

  • parental sensitivity
  • observational assessment
  • child welfare practice
  • parent-child interaction
  • parental behavior
  • feasibility
  • assessment
  • responsiveness
  • child developmental outcomes
  • observation instrument

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