Project Description:
Objectives: To examine the impact of the mother-child relationship on the socio-emotional development of perinatally HIV-infected compared to HIV-affected young children.
Methods: A relationship-based psychosocial assessment protocol was used with a set of twin brothers (only one HIV positive) separately; a structured intake interview, the Achenbach Behavioral Checklist, the Parenting Stress Index, the Crowell Parent-Child Interaction Scale and a feedback interview with mother.
Results: This case study offered the opportunity to cmopare the same mother relating to her set of twin sons, one HIV-infected and one HIV-affected. We will explore the psychosocial risk and protective factors that are unique to each of these relationships.
Research findings indicate that the mental health of young children (ages 0 to 5) is intimately conncected to the quality of the mother-child dyad. Mothers tend to know their children's needs/strengths; however, many are unaware as to how their parenting behaviors and interaction patterns impact their children's development. During their pregnancy, HIV-infected women may experience feelings of uncertainty, guilt, anxiety and sadness related to the risk for HIV transmission to their unborn child. This could have a negative impact on the mother's ability to bond with her unborn baby and, if unresolved, may continue to distress the attachment process even after birth.
Conclusions: A clinical intervention using a relationship-based approach can result in more effective assessment and treatment of young children's mental health. The behavioral problems of the HIV-affected child seem to be more severe and pervasive than those of his "sick twin brother."
