Interactional patterns of children admitted to a psychiatric hospital using the Marschak Interaction Method

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the interactional patterns of children who have been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in South Africa and their primary caregivers by means of the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM). This study set out to describe the interactional patterns observed as well as the similarities and differences between the dyads. Attachment theory views the way in which the children interact with their primary caregivers as a crucial influence in their development and functioning. A qualitative research design was implemented to gather information regarding the interactional patterns of the dyads. Three primary caregiver-child dyads participated in this study. The primary caregivers showed similarities in that they were unable to react sensitively to their children s aggression and at times were not attuned to their children s emotional states. The children in the dyads showed similarities in that they took to the lead in the interactions. One child showed a marked difference as he appeared to be more attuned to his primary caregiver s needs and seemed to want to meet these needs. The two remaining children seemed to want to take control in the interactions. This supports the current theory that states that children who are seen to have disorganised interactions attempt to take control in two different forms: controlling punitive or controlling care-giving.