Oroliga spädbarnsföräldrar med svårigheter att trösta: två fallstudier av en mindfulnessintervention

Sammanfattning: Negative effects on parent-child interaction caused by postnatal anxiety may affect infant developmental outcomes. In this case study a mindfulness intervention for parents with anxiety and their infants was formulated and explored. Two mothers presenting with worry, parental distress and difficulties soothing their infants were included in the study. The study investigated if an eight session mindfulness intervention could increase the mothers´ experience of being able to soothe their infants, increase mindfulness, reduce anxiety and increase parental satisfaction. The intervention included mindfulness exercises and reflections on their application on motherhood. Self-report measures of mindfulness, anxiety, and infant fuzziness were used before and after treatment and at follow up, two weeks and two/three months after the intervention. After treatment an interview was conducted. During treatment, progress was measured through visual analogue scales. No unambiguous increase in the mothers´ ability to soothe their infants were reported. The results showed improved levels of mindfulness, reduced levels of anxiety and increased parental satisfaction. In the interview the mothers reported several benefits in parenting, mainly in the capability of being able to calm themselves. The study indicates a clinical potential for using the intervention in relationship treatment for anxious parents, targeting the parent-child interaction.