Scaling up the ‘Art at the Start’ parent-infant art therapy intervention: feasibility, acceptability and efficacy

AIMS: To evaluate the generalisability of our 'Art at the Start' Parent-Infant Art Therapy intervention by addressing feasibility, acceptability and efficacy across new gallery sites in Scotland. METHODS: We used a participatory action research model with art therapists embedded in galleries, and mixed methods of collecting data, including standardised self-report measures, observation and qualitative feedback. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The Parent-Infant Art Therapy model proved feasible to embed in all sites, with good adherence to the model as well as potential for local adaptation. Families responded well with positive feedback and high rates of uptake, retention and completion of measures. Outcomes showed significant improvement across caregiver wellbeing, perceptions of their relationship to the infant, and observable infant experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Our co-developed creative intervention model generalises beyond the local team, offering a successful approach to supporting public mental health by improving early relationships.