Observing infants together: long-term experiences of observers and families

ABSTRACT

Infant observation is a key component of many psychotherapy and psychoanalysis training programs. Observers and families have described the intensity of this unique experience. However, there has been limited investigation of the subsequent experiences of infant observation on observers and on families who had taken part. In the present study, the experiences of observers and families several years following the infant observation period were investigated. We recruited a total of 10 participants, consisting of 7 observers (mean age 53.7 years) and 3 parents (mean age 51.7 years). The length of time since the infant observation was an average of 10.0 years (range 2–16 years). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the overarching themes and subthemes were explored using thematic analysis. Both observers and families were able to vividly reflect on the infant observation period. All participants reported developing their observation and reflective skills, which observers who work as psychotherapists described as being crucial to their current practices. Participants keenly felt the loss during the observation period, with some parents feeling a more unresolved loss. In summary, the experience remains present and impactful for both observers and parents for years following the infant observation period.

KEYWORDS:

• Infant observation
• observers
• parents
• carers
• thematic analysis
• endings
• long term
• psychotherapy
• psychoanalysis

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants who have generously volunteered to take part in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vasiliki Papoutsi

Vasiliki Papoutsi is a State Registered Art Therapist, working in the NHS, and in the recent years completed an MSc in Psychology from the University of East London. She works as Psychological Therapies Lead for a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Specialist Schools team as well as working with children and young people in care and with unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in Camden CAMHS LAC (Looked-after Children) and the Refugee service at theTavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. She has previously worked in various CAMHS settings and has a special interest in working with Under 5’s and with attachment disorders.

Cynthia H.Y. Fu

Cynthia H.Y. Fu is Professor of Affective Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of East London, Visiting Professor at the Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Honorary Consultant in National Affective Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Candidate Member of the Institute of Psychoanalysis. Her research looks at the brain regions affected in depression, changes associated with psychological as well as pharmacological treatments, and the potential to develop neuroimaging-based markers for diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcome, which is linked to the development of novel treatments.