Pairing attachment theory and social learning theory in video-feedback intervention to promote positive parenting☆,☆☆
Introduction
This review focuses on Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD). VIPP-SD is based on attachment theory and social learning theory, using video feedback to support sensitive parenting and at the same time setting firm limits. The use of video feedback as an indispensable feature of VIPP-SD is described and the intervention model, including themes and intervention procedure, is presented.
Empirical studies and meta-analyses have shown that sensitive parenting is the key determinant to promote secure child–parent attachment relationships and that adequate parental discipline contributes to fewer behavior problems in children. Building on this evidence, VIPP-SD has been tested in various populations of at-risk parents and vulnerable children, as well as in the context of child care. In a meta-analysis on twelve randomized controlled trials the effectiveness of VIPP-SD in promoting sensitive caregiving is examined, while positive social–emotional child outcomes are also reviewed.
Section snippets
The use of video feedback in attachment-based interventions
Since the formulation of attachment theory [1, 2], a large number of attachment-based interventions have been designed and tested [3••]. From the beginning this development has been accompanied by the use of visual media like films and videos, first to better understand attachment in children and then to support attachment security in children [4]. Films played an important role in helping to understand attachment when attachment theory was developed about half a century ago, with for example
VIPP-SD: intervention model
The use of video feedback is a key feature of Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD). VIPP-SD is based on an integration of attachment theory [1, 2] and social learning theory, particularly coercion theory [8]. Meta-analytic research has confirmed that securely attached children show more social competence and fewer externalizing and internalizing behavior problems than insecurely attached children [9, 10•, 11, 12]. While sensitivity is the
VIPP-SD themes and sessions
Based on attachment theory [1, 2] themes for sensitive parenting were developed, and based on coercion theory [8] themes for sensitive discipline were formulated. In each VIPP-SD intervention session, one theme for sensitive parenting and one theme for sensitive discipline is highlighted (see Table 1) [7•, 18•]. In the last two booster sessions all themes are repeated.
For sensitive parenting the structure of the VIPP-SD program closely follows the two main components of Ainsworth’s [2]
Effectiveness of VIPP-SD
The effectiveness of VIPP-SD was examined in twelve randomized controlled trials so far, in various samples of children at risk, parents at risk or in special situations, and in childcare settings [18•]. All studies used the VIPP-SD program (or the slightly modified version for specific groups), most of them with the Sensitive Discipline component. The studies with children at risk included adopted children [19], children at risk of externalizing problem behavior [20], children with autism and
Future directions
Convergent with a similar trend in attachment research, the first focus of VIPP-SD has been on mother-child dyads. VIPP-SD was implemented in families struggling with specific risks or problems in the parents or in their children [18•]. VIPP-SD was also adapted for substitute parents, that is, adoptive and foster mothers and caregivers in childcare. The next step is to implement VIPP-SD in fathers (for a pilot study see Ref. [34]) and in couples. Future studies may also show when the limits of
References and recommended reading
Papers of particular interest, published within the period of review, have been highlighted as:
• of special interest
•• of outstanding interest
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Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg (VICI grant) and Marinus van IJzendoorn (SPINOZA prize) were supported by research awards from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research.