Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Child Development
• Psychotherapy

Context:

• The parent-toddler group (PTG) concept, originating from the Anna Freud Centre, is now implemented in Vienna.
• The Vienna PTG study examines the therapeutic impact of group participation on children's relational experiences and family dynamics.

Purpose:

• To investigate the significance of therapeutic group participation for children's development.
• To explore changes in children's relational experiences and developmental problems within families.
• To demonstrate the utility of bifocal Young Child Observation in understanding child psychopathology.

Summary:

• The study employs bifocal Young Child Observation, observing children in both group and home settings.
• A case study of a child with eating problems illustrates how this observational design enhances understanding.
• Methodological considerations, including observer-psychotherapist communication, are discussed.

Impact:

• Provides a deeper understanding of children's eating problems through comprehensive observation.
• Highlights the value of bifocal observation in psychotherapeutic research.
• Informs the application and methodology of parent-toddler group interventions.