An attachment-based parenting intervention for an infant with mild-moderate developmental delays in South Africa : a single-case experimental study

Abstract

Despite the clinical and academic prominence of Attachment Theory, there is scant research aiming to explore its value for infants on the spectrum of Developmental Delays and their caregivers. In low resource settings such as South Africa, where an intersection of risk factors combine to increase the likelihood of both developmental delays and insecure attachments, interventions which aim to support caregivers in fostering secure attachment relationships with their children are valuable. The Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-up intervention (ABC) is a widely established approach to improving the attachment relationship in caregivers and their children who are at risk of insecure attachment and its sequelae by targeting maternal sensitivity through in-vivo coaching. This study uses a single case experimental design to assess the impact of the ABC on an infant diagnosed with developmental delays and her mother. Visual analysis was employed, and supported by statistical and qualitative analyses, to measure the effect of the ABC on maternal sensitivity, attachment security and stress regulation. This study found that the ABC had a positive impact on maternal sensitivity and attachment security, but an inconclusive effect on stress regulation. Analyses of the results of this study indicate that the ABC shows promise for the support of South African infants with developmental delays and their caregivers, but would benefit from further study.