Treating Parent-Infant Relationship Problems: Strategies for Intervention

Within a developmental framework, this book guides the clinician to understand the different types of problems that parents have with infants and to determine how a given family might best be served--whether by addressing health concerns that are affecting infant behavior, modifying parental beliefs or expectations, or improving key caregiving skills. Leading interdisciplinary experts detail their respective therapeutic models in a practical, clinician-friendly format, including intervention guidelines and illustrative case material. Special topics covered include working with families of infants with special needs and with those at risk for child maltreatment.

Arnold J. Sameroff, PhD, is a developmental psychologist who specializes in infant mental health. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan, where he is also Director of the Center for Development and Mental Health at the Center for Human Growth and Development. Dr. Sameroff’s theoretical and empirical writings have been a foundation for the field of developmental psychopathology. After serving as president of the International Society on Infant Studies, he is now president-elect of the Society for Research in Child Development.

Susan C. McDonough, PhD, MSW, is a social worker who specializes in treating relationship problems of parents and infants with special needs. She is an associate research scientist in the School of Social Work and the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. Dr. McDonough directs the University of Michigan Post-Graduate Certificate Training Program in Clinical Work with Infants, Toddlers and Their Families, and is an international consultant for infant and family mental health programs.

Katherine L. Rosenblum, PhD, is a clinical and developmental psychologist who specializes in research on parents’ representations of their infants and on infant emotional development. She is an assistant research investigator at the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. Dr. Rosenblum has taught the clinical applications of attachment research to multidisciplinary groups at the University of Michigan and the University of Vienna.