Theoretical Bases of Intervention in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

This chapter presents intervention theories, which are based on infant and early childhood mental health principles leading to positive adaptation, and include the identification of factors which protect the child against negative outcomes as well as those factors which increase vulnerability. The developmental framework serves as part of the foundation of intervention in infant and early childhood mental health, but it incorporates the individual differences perspective in behavior and development as well. After discussing psychodynamic and attachment theories in detail, the chapter proceeds to consider several theories which broaden the context for understanding the variables to be considered in establishing an intervention program. By incorporating a developmental framework as part of the foundation of infant mental health, it is possible to describe the process of development itself, including genetic dispositions and environmental influences. This chapter affirms that early intervention is a way to decrease both the prevalence of problems and their severity.