Monday, November 3, 2003: 9:00 AM-10:15 AM

Plenary Session II -- Episteme Laureate Presentation

Learning Objective #1: Understand the dynamics of parent-child interaction
Learning Objective #2: Be aware of the factors associated with the parent's capacity to be a relationship partner to their child
During the past three decades, scientific studies have demonstrated the importance of the caregiver-infant relationship in determining later developmental outcomes. Ideally with pregnancy a mother begins to prepare herself for taking on the role of moterhing. Having the emotional space for thinking about the baby is an important part of the preparation during pregnancy. There is a definite relationship between the adult women's relationship history and her life experiences that will shape how this new relationship forms.A method of observing and rating mother/parent/caregiver interaction has been developed which is now widely used by nurses, physicians, psychologists and educators. This method, developed at the University of Washington in the early 1970s, is called the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Parent-Child Interaction Scales. Research demonstrating the power of the parent-child relationship will be discussed in relation to a body of research demonstrating how the mother's capactiy to interact with her young child is the window through which the young baby develops security, explores the environment, and develops the capacity to form interpersonal relationships. Examples of barriers will be illustrated such as with adult trauma and loss and stress will be discussed.
Organizer:Kathryn E. Barnard, PhD, MSN, BSN

37th Biennial Convention - Scientific Session
Sigma Theta Tau International