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A strength-based and early relationship approach to infant mental health assessment
Linda M Perez1, Karen L Peifer, Mary C Newman
1Department of Education, Mills College, Oakland, California 94613, USA.
Insights
This study introduces a strength-based assessment for infant emotional development, shifting from deficit-based models. It identifies infant needs and strengths while considering maternal mental illness impacts.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Mental Health
- Family Systems
Background:
- Traditional assessments often focus on deficits.
- Preventive mental health programs require developmentally appropriate practices.
- Infant emotional development is significantly influenced by the family context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a strength-based assessment process for infant emotional development.
- To shift from deficit-based to strength-based principles in infant assessment.
- To understand infant competencies and needs within the family environment.
Main Methods:
- Development of a strength-based assessment model over five years.
- Application within a preventive mental health program.
- Focus on the infant's emotional development and family context.
Main Results:
- The assessment process effectively identifies infant competencies.
- It also highlights areas of need in infant emotional development.
- The model considers the impact of maternal mental illness on infants.
Conclusions:
- Strength-based assessment is a viable approach for infant emotional development.
- This model supports developmentally appropriate practice in mental health.
- Understanding family context, including maternal mental health, is crucial for infant well-being.
Abstract:
This paper presents a strength-based assessment process that focuses on infant emotional development within the family context. The assessment model, developed over the past five years within a preventive mental health program, represents a shift from deficit to strength-based principles that are consistent with appropriate developmental practice. The strength-based assessment process presented achieves an understanding of the infant's competencies and areas of need, and considers the negative impact that maternal mental illness has on the infant's emotional development.