Group-Based Relational Savoring Intervention in Mothers of Young Children in Iran: Testing Impacts of Memory Type

Relational savoring, a prevention/intervention approach that involves reflecting on positive moments of connection with another person, promotes wellbeing in the parenting relationship. In this program, parents savor memories with strong attachment content (including Secure Base or Safe Haven memories), but it is currently unknown whether the benefits of relational savoring differ as a function of memory type. Within a sample of Iranian mothers of children younger than 6, this study examines impacts of RS administered in Persian on closeness to child, parental satisfaction/competence, and maternal caregiving quality. In this randomized controlled trial, 150 mothers from a city in Iran were randomized into three 50-member groups (relational savoring-Safe Haven [RS-Safe Haven]; relational savoring-Secure Base [RS-Secure Base]; Control Group). Participants completed assessments at pretest, posttest, and follow-up (3 months post-intervention). The two intervention groups (RS-Safe Haven, RS-Secure Base) participated in one-hour group relational savoring sessions that met weekly for four weeks. The Control Group received no intervention. RS interventions significantly improved maternal closeness, parental satisfaction, and maternal sensitivity/availability compared to control, with gains evident at both post-test and follow-up. While both RS-Secure Base and RS-Safe Haven groups showed comparable improvements on most outcomes, RS-Secure Base demonstrated stronger effects for parental efficacy, particularly at follow-up. These findings have important implications for future work with relational savoring, suggesting that savoring both Secure Base and Safe Haven memories can enhance maternal outcomes.