MULTIMODAL ASSESSMENT OF THE MOTHER–CHILD RELATIONSHIP IN A SUBSTANCE‐EXPOSED SAMPLE: DIVERGENT ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE EMOTIONAL AVAILABILITY SCALES. Issue 6 (28th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Espinet, Stacey D.; Jeong, Jessica Jeihyun; Motz, Mary; Racine, Nicole; Major, Danielle; Pepler, Debra
• Is Part Of: Infant mental health journal. Volume 34:Issue 6(2013:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 496
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2013-10-28
• Subjects: Infant psychiatry -- Periodicals; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9641

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>The aim of this study was to compare ratings of mother<italic>–</italic>child relationship quality from diverse assessment perspectives. The quality of the mother<italic>–</italic>child relationship was rated in a sample of 34 mothers with substance‐use difficulties and their children using the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS; Z. Biringen, <xref ref-type="link" rid="imhj21409-bib-0012">2008</xref>), based on videotaped observation of a 20‐min, free‐play session. These ratings were compared to clinician ratings on the Parent–Infant Ratings Global Assessment Scale (PIR‐GAS; ZERO TO THREE, 2005) and maternal ratings on the Parenting Stress Index‐Short Form (PSI‐SF; R.R. Abidin, <xref ref-type="link" rid="imhj21409-bib-0003">1995</xref>). Ratings on the Emotional Attachment and Emotional Availability (EA2) Clinical Screener (EA2 Clinical Screener) and adult dimensions of the EAS (particularly maternal sensitivity), but not child dimensions, were associated with clinician ratings on the PIR‐GAS. In contrast, child dimensions of the EAS, but not adult dimensions, were associated with maternal ratings on the Child scales of the PSI‐SF (particularly parent<italic>–</italic>child difficult interactions). While clinician ratings seem to be more sensitive to maternal contributions to the relationship, maternal ratings seem to emphasize child behaviors. Results highlight the importance of multimethod assessment in fully capturing the transactional nature of the mother<italic>–</italic>child relationship in high‐risk samples. The validity of the EA2 Clinical Screener as an index of the quality of mother<italic>–</italic>child relationship in a high‐risk, substance‐exposed sample is also supported.</p> </abstract>