Interfaces between intersubjectivity and attachment: Three perspectives on a mother-infant inpatient case

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Attachment Theory

Background:

• Limited critical attention to theoretical issues in early intervention literature.
• Focus on a single mother-infant dyad to explore complex interactions.
• Need for deeper theoretical understanding to support clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine theoretical issues in early intervention.
• To analyze a mother-infant case from multiple theoretical perspectives.
• To explore alternative conceptualizations of clinical case material.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an Adult Attachment Interview for the mother.
• Analyzed video recordings of mother-infant interaction.
• Applied diverse theoretical frameworks to interpret the collected data.

Main Results:

• Identified similarities, contrasts, and differing emphases across theoretical frameworks.
• Demonstrated how different conceptualizations illuminate distinct aspects of the case.
• Highlighted the importance of theoretical grounding in case analysis.

Conclusions:

• Alternative theoretical perspectives offer valuable insights into mother-infant dynamics.
• A nuanced theoretical approach can enhance understanding in early intervention.
• Findings suggest practical implications for refining clinical treatment strategies.