Maintaining Momentum in Infant Mental Health Research During COVID-19: Adapting Observational Assessments. (17th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tesson, Stephanie; Swinsburg, Dianne; Kasparian, Nadine A
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric psychology. Volume 46:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2021-03-17
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- infancy and early childhood -- infant mental health -- parent-child relationship -- psychological functioning -- parenting -- research design and methodology; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289005
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-8693

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the developing parent-infant relationship is a priority, especially for medically-fragile infants and their caregivers who face distinct challenges and stressors. Observational assessments can provide important insights into parent-child behaviors and relational risk; however, stay-at-home directives and physical distancing measures associated with COVID-19 have significantly limited opportunities for in-person observational parent-infant assessment. To maintain momentum in our research program during the pandemic, we rapidly pivoted to remote, technology-assisted parent-infant observational assessments. In this commentary, we offer a series of strategies and recommendations to assist researchers in adapting observational parent-infant paradigms. We also discuss the benefits, challenges, and limitations of distance-delivered assessments, and offer considerations for clinical service provision and future research during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.