Findings from an Evaluation of an Intervention Targeting Australian Parents of Young Children with Attachment Issues: The ‘Through the Looking Glass’ (TtLG) Project

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE REPORTS ON the evaluation of the ‘Through the Looking Glass' project, a three-year intervention conducted in five childcare settings across Australia and engaging 126 ‘at-risk’ families where there was an identified relationship between the parent and child/children (aged birth to five years). The evaluation embraced a pragmatic mixed-methods approach triangulating data sources and methods and employing participatory action research procedures. These included pre- and post-project video recordings and follow-up interviews up to 18 months after project completion. A broad range of positive impacts were achieved and sustained—mothers were significantly less stressed, depressed and anxious; were significantly more emotionally available; and reported being better able to cope and practise as parents. Children's wellbeing and involvement improved significantly, with improved child behaviours attributed to the project identified by staff and mothers. This paper presents the intervention, evaluation and findings for the mothers and children who participated in the project.