How maternal caregiving behavior may shape temperament in infants at neurodevelopmental risk: Findings from a Video-Feedback Intervention study.

Parenting plays a crucial role in a child’s development, especially for children at-risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities. One key aspect influenced by maternal caregiving behaviors is the child’s temperament, although the existing literature on this topic remains limited. Parents of children at-risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities often face challenges in interacting with their infants and are at a higher risk of developing affective disorders. A promising early intervention to improve caregiving behaviors and mental health, as well as support the child’s development, is the Telemedicine-delivered Video-Feedback Intervention (TVFI). The SPHERE project aims to identify maternal caregiving behaviors that may predict infant temperament in children at-risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities. We also sought to assess the feasibility of using TVFI as an early intervention tool, given the limited research on this approach. Finally, we investigated the effectiveness of TVFI in enhancing caregiving behaviors, mental health, and child temperament. Thirty mother-infant dyads with neurodevelopmental disabilities or with at-risk conditions were enrolled in the SPHERE project. Mothers were asked to record a free-play interaction with their child and to fill online questionnaires before and after the TVFI. The recorded interactions were analyzed to code maternal behaviors. The findings revealed a relationship between certain maternal caregiving behaviors, maternal health, and specific traits of infant temperament. Additionally, TVFI was well-accepted by parents and proved effective in promoting positive maternal caregiving behaviors, improving mental health, enhancing dyadic interactions, and fostering healthier child development.