Fostering Resiliency in Infants and Young Children through Parent-Infant Interaction

High-quality parent—infant interaction has been linked to resilient outcomes characterized by secure infant attachments and infant and child cognitive and social-emotional development. The purpose of this article is to show that high-quality parent-infant interaction is important in the promotion ol child resiliency, and ought to be promoted in family-centered early intervention. Research is reviewed that shows the relationship between high-quality parent-infant interaction and resilient outcomes. Potent risk factors that threaten the quality of parent-infant interaction and thus resiliency in infants and young children are also reviewed. Finally, clinical guidelines for assessing and intervening to promote parent-infant interaction are suggested.