Family Stress: Using Parent-Infant Synchrony to Mediate Parental Stress

Abstract Family Stress: Using Parent- Infant Synchrony to Mediate Parental Stress By Nicolette Cheatham Master of Arts in Education Educational Psychology There are long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences such as abuse and dysfunction, which carry on into adulthood (Felitti, Anda, Nordenberg, Williamson, Spitz, Edwards, et al., 1998) and can potentially cause adult health risks. Recent literature emphasized the importance of parent-infant synchrony as a mediator for stress within parents and infants (Feldman, 2007). This thesis project analyzes existing pre and pretestdata of a community-based parenting program. The pilot program, C.A.L.M. (Cues & Caring, Attunement & Attachment, Listen & Love, Music & Massage), aimed to provide strategies for parents to help reduce the stress in their lives while becoming more aware and attuned to their infant’s cues. An initial 11 parents completed a written pre-survey questionnaire before participation in a C.A.L.M. session, while 10 parents completed a post-test questionnaire at the final session. Seven participants completed both a pre and post-test and results are reported in this study. Additionally, a focus group was conducted at the final session that provided participant feedback on areas of satisfaction and recommendations for future program development. The implications and limitations of the data will be presented in Chapter Five.