Improving the parent–child relationship and child adjustment through parental reflective functioning group intervention

Parental reflective functioning (PRF) is a core element in the parent–child relationship. This study set out to investigate changes in PRF following the DUET program, a 12-week group intervention program. We proposed that the DUET intervention would enhance maternal reflective capacities, resulting in better mother-child emotional availability, better child self-regulation, and decreased child behavioral problems. Seventy mothers completed the DUET group intervention. Of these mothers, nine mothers were first allocated to the waiting-list group and thereafter were included in an intervention group. PRF was measured using observation (mind-mindedness) and an interview (PDI). Following the intervention, a significant improvement was evident in PRF, in parental beliefs about feeling, and in parental sense of efficacy. In addition, the mother–child interaction was more positive, child behavioral problems decreased, and child self-regulation increased. This improvement remained stable over a period of 6 months. Clinical and future directions of this study are discussed.