Containment, reciprocity and behaviour management: Preliminary evaluation of a brief early intervention (the solihull approach) for families with infants and young children

Abstract The present study's objective was to conduct a small-scale study to begin to examine the effectiveness of the Solihull Approach. The Solihull Approach employs a theoretical model that integrates psychotherapeutic, child development and behavioural concepts, supported with resource materials and an open learning course. It is related to the Tavistock Under 5′s model and is designed to be used as a brief (five sessions or less) intervention for those working with infants and young children and their families. The sample consisted of thirteen families recruited over a six week period by health visitors. A within-subject (repeated measures) ANOVA design was used, utilising three measures at baseline, end of support and follow-up. Parents and health visitors rated seventy of presenting difficulty and the parents 'anxiety about the problem at all three points. In addition the parents completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory at all three points. Results showed significant decreases in presenting difficulty and the parental anxiety about the problem over an average of three sessions. In addition, there was also a significant decrease in parents' general anxiety as measured by the BAI: an overall decrease of 66.3%. It was suggested that further evaluation would be useful on general effectiveness, the characteristics of families with whom this brief intervention is effective and on teasing out the mechanisms through which this method has an impact. It was also suggested that more 'user friendly' psychometric measures for use with very young children need to be developed.