Introduction to Infant Mental Health and Attachment

Monday, Jan 8, 2024 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

  • Infant mental health is defined as “The young child’s capacity to experience, regulate, and express emotions, form close and secure relationships, and explore the environment and learn,” (Zero to Three, 2001). Attachment is a related term which describes a birectional process involving a caregiver nurturing an infant/child, as well as infant/child behavior that elicits parental care. Attachment theory posits that primary caregivers who are available and responsive to a child’s needs allow the child to develop a sense of security​. This creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world and a safe haven for the child to return to.​ Attachment problems increase risk for issues including internalizing and externalizing disorders​, whereas secure attachment is a protective factor against emotional and behavioral problems later in life.

Objectives

  • Define infant mental health and attachment theory.
  • Describe factors that increase risk for attachment problems
  • Explain outcomes of attachment problems​
  • Describe interventions to mitigate/prevent unstable attachment

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

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