Clinical Research Directory

Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Project: Enhancing Parental Sensitivity and Attachment (CIMHP)

Infant mental health is a significant public health issue as early adversity and expose to childhood stress has life-long consequences for the affected children. Helping families at risk correct their adverse effects on the infant has the potential to halt a negative spiral effect where vulnerable parents fail to cope with an at-risk child - which in turn, adds to the child's vulnerability, negatively affects the parents, and so forth. Over a four year period, an estimated 17.600 dyads will be screened in the City of Copenhagen using standardized screening instruments in detecting infant social withdrawal (ADBB) and maternal postnatal depression (EPDS). A sample of 314 eligible parent(s) will enter into a clinical, randomized control trial to test the efficacy of an 8 week group counseling program, Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) compared to Care as Usual(CAU) in enhancing maternal sensitivity, child attachment and cognitive development. CIMHP is the first large-scale randomized controlled study to test the efficacy of COS-P in promoting parental sensitivity, child attachment and cognitive development in Denmark. Results will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of an American short term indicated parenting group program when implemented in a Scandinavian country.