Art at the Start: A controlled trial and close observation of parent-infant art therapy intervention.

This two-part study seeks to evidence art therapy intervention for parent-infant attachment relationships, looking at improvements to wellbeing and relationships. Study one was a controlled trial with 105 participating parent/caregivers and their infants (0-3-years), identified due to concerns about their relationship. They were quasi-randomized to attend a 12-week art therapy group or treatment as usual. Measures focused on parents' wellbeing and their perceptions of their relationship with their infant. In study 2 we analyzed video footage from the first and penultimate sessions of a sample of 37 dyads, looking for observable changes in the different channels of communication upon which attachments are predicated. The controlled trial showed intervention participants had significantly improved parental wellbeing, significant increases in attachment warmth and significant decreases in intrusion. This contrasted with the control sample who showed a significant decrease in wellbeing, stable warmth, and significant increases in intrusion. The observation study showed that there was a significant increase in the communicative behaviors from the parents to the infant which would support attachments between the first and penultimate sessions. We conclude that these results make a robust case for the inclusion of art therapy within the range of interventions available for at risk early relationships.

Este estudio en dos partes busca evidenciar la intervención terapéutica de arte para las relaciones afectivas progenitor-infante, mirando las mejoras al bienestar y las relaciones. El primer estudio se trata de un ensayo controlado con la participación de 105 progenitores/cuidadores y sus infantes (0-3 años), identificados en atención a preocupaciones acerca de su relación. Ellos fueron asignados cuasi al azar para participar en un grupo de terapia de arte o seguir el tratamiento acostumbrado. Las medidas se enfocan en el bienestar de los progenitores y sus percepciones acerca de sus relaciones con sus infantes. En el estudio 2 analizamos grabaciones de video de la primera y penúltima sesiones de un grupo muestra de 37 díadas, buscando cambios observables en los diferentes canales de comunicación sobre los cuales se fundamenta la unión afectiva. El ensayo controlado mostró que los participantes de la intervención habían mejorado significativamente su bienestar como progenitores, mejoras significativas en la calidez de la afectividad y significativas disminuciones en la intrusión. Esto contrastó con el grupo muestra de control que mostró una significativa disminución en el bienestar, una estable calidez y significativos aumentos en la intrusión. El estudio de observación mostró que había un aumento significativo en los comportamientos comunicativos de progenitores a infantes lo cual apoyaría los acoplamientos entre la primera y penúltima sesiones. Concluimos con que estos resultados formulan un caso sólido para la inclusión de la terapia de arte dentro de la gama de intervenciones disponibles para relaciones tempranas bajo riesgo.

Cette étude en deux parties s'est attachée à examinant l'intervention de thérapie artistique pour les relations d'attachement parent-nourrisson, étudiant les améliorations dans le bien-être et les relations. La première étude a consisté en un essai contrôlé avec 105 parents/personnes prenant soin des enfants et leurs bébés (0-3 ans), ayant été identifiés du fait d'inquiétudes à propos de leur relation. Ils ont été quasiment randomisés pour participer à un groupe de thérapie par l'art ou le traitement habituel. Les mesures ont mis l'accent sur le bien-être des parents et leurs perceptions de leur relation avec leur bébé. Dans la deuxième étude nous avons analysé des prises à la vidéo de la première et de la dernière session d'un échantillon de 37 dyades, cherchant des changements observables dans les différentes chaînes de communication sur lesquelles reposent les attachements. L'essai contrôlé a montré que les participants à l'intervention faisaient preuve d'améliorations importantes dans leur bien-être parental, dans la chaleur de l'attachement et de diminutions importantes dans l'intrusion. Cela a contrasté avec le groupe de contrôle qui a fait preuve d'une baisse importante du bien-être, d'une chaleur stable et d'augmentations importantes dans l'intrusion. Cette étude d'observation a montré qu'il y avait une augmentation importante des comportements communicatifs de la part des parents envers les bébés qui soutiendrait les attachements entre la première et la dernière session. Nous concluons que ces résultats présentent des arguments solides en faveur de l'inclusion de la thérapie par l'art au sein d'une éventail d'interventions disponibles pour les relations précoces à risque.

The effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 on Parkinson's disease constipation through regulation of autophagy in the enteric nervous system.

The effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for constipation have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies and experiments, and there are also studies on the efficacy of EA for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor symptoms. However, there are few researches on EA for PD constipation. Autophagy is thought to be involved in the mechanistic process of EA in the central nervous system (CNS) intervention in Parkinson's pathology. However, whether it has the same effect on the enteric nervous system (ENS) has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether EA at Tianshu (ST25) acupoint promotes the clearance of α-Syn and damaged mitochondria aggregated in the ENS in a model of rotenone-induced PD constipation. This study evaluated constipation symptoms by stool characteristics, excretion volume, and water content, and the expression levels of colonic ATG5, LC3II, and Parkin were detected by Western Blot (WB) and Real-Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The relationship between the location of α-Syn and Parkin in the colonic ENS was observed by immunofluorescence (IF). The results showed that EA intervention significantly relieved the symptoms of rotenone-induced constipation in PD rats, reversed the rotenone-induced down-regulation of colonic ATG5, LC3II, and Parkin expression, and the positional relationship between colonic α-Syn and Parkin proved to be highly correlated. It is suggested that EA might be helpful in treating PD constipation by modulating Parkin-induced mitochondrial autophagy.

Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin decoction alleviates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) by regulating autophagy of granule cells through activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

PURPOSE: To explore the therapeutic effects of Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin decoction (BSNXD) on POI and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: VCD was used to induce the in vivo and in vitro POI model. HE staining was used to evaluate the pathological state of ovarian tissues. ELISA was used to detect the production of hormones in the serum and granule cells (GCs). An immunohistochemical assay was used to determine the expression of ATG7 and p-AKT in the ovarian tissues. The number of oocytes in POI rats was counted. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in oocytes and GCs was detected by flow cytometry. A Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of AKT, p-AKT, p-mTOR, mTOR, S6K, p-S6K, ULK1, p-ULK1, Beclin-1, Bcl-2, LC3-II, LC3-I, ATG7, and cleaved Caspase3. The numbers of autophagosomes were detected by transmission electron microscope and autophagic flux assay. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. RESULTS: Decreased primary follicles in the ovarian tissues, elevated concentration of FSH, and LH, suppressed concentration of E2 and AMH in the serum, reduced number of oocytes, and mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes induced by VCD were significantly reversed by BSNXD. Activated autophagy state and inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway stimulated by VCD in both ovarian tissues and GCs were dramatically reversed by BSNXD. The protective effect of BSNXD on VCD-treated GCs was abolished by LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed that BSNXD alleviated POI by regulating autophagy of granule cells through activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

NICU music therapy effects on maternal mental health and preterm infant's emotional arousal.

In recent decades, music therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been shown to regulate preterm infant's physiological responses and improve maternal mental health. This study investigated the effects of the music therapy intervention for the mother-preterm infant dyad (MUSIP) for maternal anxiety, postnatal depression, and stress, and preterm infants' weight gain, length of hospitalization, heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (So2 ). A pre-experimental design was used with 33 mother-preterm infant dyads in a Brazilian NICU: 16 dyads in the Music Therapy Group (MTG) and 17 dyads in the Control Group (CG). The MTG took part in the MUSIP, aimed at supporting maternal singing with the preterm baby. Infants' HR and So2 were recorded at each minute from 10 min before to 10 min after sessions 1, 3, and 6. Before infants' discharge, maternal anxiety and depression scores were lower in the MTG compared to the CG. Anxiety, depression, and stress levels decreased significantly after the intervention in the MTG. With regard to infants, HR and So2 ranges were higher during music therapy, compared to before and after sessions. MUSIP improved maternal mental health and affected preterm infants' emotional arousal, with positive trends in decreasing HR, stabilizing So2 , and reducing length of hospitalization.

En décadas recientes, la terapia musical de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales ha demostrado poder regular las respuestas fisiológicas del infante nacido prematuramente y mejorar la salud mental materna. Este estudio investigó los efectos de la Intervención de Terapia Musical para la Díada Madre-Infante Prematuro (MUSIP) en cuanto a la ansiedad materna, la depresión posnatal y el estrés, así como el aumento del peso de los infantes prematuros, el tiempo de hospitalización, el ritmo cardíaco (HR) y la saturación de oxígeno (SO2). Un diseño preexperimental se usó con 33 díadas de madre-infante prematuro en una Unidad brasileña de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales: 16 díadas en el Grupo de Terapia Musical (MTG) y 17 díadas en el Grupo de Control (CG). El MTG participó en MUSIP, con la finalidad de apoyar el canto materno con el bebé prematuro. Se anotó el HR y SO2 de los infantes en cada minuto a partir de 10 minutos antes hasta 10 minutos después de la Sesión 1, 3 y 6. Antes de darles de alta a los infantes, se redujeron los puntajes de ansiedad y depresión maternas en el MTG tal como se le comparó con el CG. Los niveles de ansiedad, depresión y estrés se redujeron significativamente después de la intervención en el MTG. Con respecto a los infantes, los intervalos de HR y SO2 fueron más altos durante la terapia musical, tal como se les comparó con los momentos antes y después de las sesiones. MUSIP ayudó a mejorar la salud mental materna y afectó el despertar emocional de los infantes prematuros, con tendencias a reducir el HR, estabilizar el SO2 y reducir el tiempo de hospitalización.

Dans les vingt et trente dernières années, il a été démontré que la thérapie musicale en Réanimation Néonatale régule les réponses physiologiques du bébé prématuré et améliore la santé mentale maternelle. Cette étude a étudié les effets de l'Intervention de Thérapie Musicalepour la dyade Mère-Bébé Prématurés (MUSIP) pour l'anxiété maternelle, la dépression postnatale, et le stress, ainsi que la prise de poids des bébés prématurés, la longueur de l'hospitalisation, le rythme cardiaque (RC ici) et la saturation d'oxygène (sO2). Une structure pré-expérimentale a été utilisée avec 33 dyades mère-nourrisson prématuré dans une Réanimation Néonatale au Brésil: 16 dyades dans le Groupe Thérapie Musicale (GTM en français) et 17 dyades dans le Groupe de Contrôle (GC en français). Le groupe GTM a pris part à la MUSIP, destiné à aider et soutenir les mères à chanter avec leur bébé prématuré. Le RC et la sO2 des nourrissons ont été enregistrés à chaque minute pendant 10 minutes avant jusqu'à 10 minutes après la Session 1, 3, et 6. Les scores d'évacuation des nourrissons, de l'anxiété maternelle et de dépression maternelle étaient moins élevés dans le GTM que dans le GC. L'anxiété, la dépression et les niveaux de stress ont baissé de manière importante durant l'intervention dans le groupe GTM. Pour ce qui concerne les nourrissons, les éventails de RC et de sO2 était plus élevés durant la thérapie musicale, comparés à avant et après les sessions. La MUSIP a amélioré la santé mentale maternelle et affecté la stimulation émotionnelle des nourrissons prématurés, avec des tendances positives dans la baisse du RC, la stabilisation sO2 et la réduction de la longueur de l'hospitalisation.

Enhancing parental reflective functioning through early dyadic interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Parental reflective functioning (PRF) is an important predictor of infant attachment, and interventions that target parent-infant/toddler dyads who are experiencing significant problems have the potential to improve PRF. A range of dyadic interventions have been developed over the past two decades, some of which explicitly target PRF as part of their theory of change, and some that do not explicitly target PRF, but that have measured it as an outcome. However, no meta-analytic review of the impact of these interventions has been carried out to date. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of dyadic interventions targeting parents of infant and toddlers, in improving PRF and a number of secondary outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in which key electronic databases were searched up to October 2018. Eligible studies were identified and data extracted. Data were synthesised using meta-analysis and expressed as both effect sizes and risk ratios. Six studies were identified providing a total of 521 participants. The results of six meta-analyses showed a nonsignificant moderate improvement in PRF in the intervention group (standardised mean difference [SMD]: -0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.97, 0.04]) and a significant reduction in disorganised attachment (risk ratio: 0.50; 95% CI [0.27, 0.90]). There was no evidence for intervention effects on attachment security (odds ratio: 0.71; 95% CI [0.19, 2.64]), parent-infant interaction (SMD: -0.10; 95% CI [-0.46, 0.26]), parental depression (SMD: -1.55; 95% CI [-3.74, 0.64]) or parental global distress (SMD: -0.19, 95% CI [-3.04, 22.65]). There were insufficient data to conduct subgroup analysis (i.e. to compare the effectiveness of mentalisation-based treatment with non-mentalization-based treatment interventions). Relational early interventions may have important benefits in improving PRF and reducing the prevalence of attachment disorganisation. The implications for future research are discussed.

El funcionamiento de reflexión del progenitor (PRF) es un factor importante de predicción de la afectividad del infante, y las intervenciones que se enfocan en díadas progenitor/infante/niño pequeñito que experimentan problemas significativos tienen la posibilidad de mejorar el PRF. La meta de esta revisión fue evaluar la eficacia de las intervenciones diádicas que se enfocan en los progenitores de infantes y niños pequeñitos, para mejorar el PRF y un número de resultados secundarios. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática y un meta-análisis en los que se investigaron bancos de información electrónica claves hasta octubre de 2018. Se identificaron estudios elegibles y se sacó de ellos la información. Se sintetizó esa información usando meta-análisis y la misma fue presentada tanto en términos de dimensión de efectos como la proporción de riesgo. Se identificaron seis estudios que aportaron un total de 521 participantes. Los resultados de seis meta-análisis mostraron un moderado, poco significativo y limítrofe mejoramiento en cuanto al PRF en el grupo de intervención (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI -0.97, 0.04), una reducción significativa en la afectividad desorganizada (RR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.90), pero no así en la afectividad segura (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.19, 2.64), y ninguna evidencia de beneficio para la interacción progenitor-infante (SMD: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.51, 0.32). Se dio un mejoramiento grande no significativo en la depresión del progenitor (SMD: -1.55; 95% CI -3.74, 0.64), pero no hubo evidencia de beneficio en cuanto a la angustia total (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -3.04, 22.65). Se discuten las implicaciones para la futura investigación.

Le fonctionnement parental réfléchi (en anglais Parental Reflective Functioning, soit PRF) est un facteur de prédiction important de l'attachement du bébé, et les interventions qui ciblent les dyades parent-bébé/petit enfant qui font l'expérience de problèmes importants ont le potentiel d'améliorer le fonctionnement PRF. Le but de cette article était d'évaluer l'efficacité d'interventions dyadiques ciblant les parents de bébés et de petits enfants, en améliorant le fonctionnement PRF et un bon nombre de résultats secondaires. Une revue et une méta-analyse ont été faites, les bases de données électroniques clés ayant été passées au crible en octobre 2018. Les études pouvant être utilisées ont été identifiées et les données ont été extraites. Les données ont été synthétisées en utilisant une méta-analyse et exprimées sous forme d'ampleur de l'effet et de risque relatif. Six études ont été identifiées, pour un total de 521 participants. Les résultats de six méta-analyses ont montré une amélioration limite non importante modérée dans le PRF dans le groupe d'intervention (SMD: -0,46; 95% CI -0,97, 0,04), une réduction importante dans l'attachement désorganisé de l'enfant (RR: 0,50; 95% CI: 0,27, 0,90) mais non dans l'attachement sécure (OR: 0,71; 95% CI: 0,19, 2,64), ainsi qu'aucune preuve de bénéfice pour l'interaction parent-bébé (SMD: -0,09; 95% CI -0,51, 0,32). Il y avait une grande amélioration non-importante dans la dépression parentale (SMD: -1,55; 95% CI -3,74, 0,64) mais aucune preuve de bénéfice dans la détresse globale (SMD: -0,19; 95% CI: -3,04, 22,65. Les implications pour les recherches futures sont discutées.

Maternal perinatal mental health: Associations with bonding, mindfulness, and self-criticism at 18 months' postpartum.

The perinatal period is a time of significant transition for women, with changes in maternal mental health from pregnancy to 18 months' postpartum. This study specifically analyzes maternal self-criticism and mindfulness during pregnancy and at 18 months' postpartum, and their associations with bonding. A longitudinal study (30 weeks' gestation-18 months' postpartum) assessed 32 mother-infant dyads, examining changes in maternal depression, anxiety, self-criticism, and mindfulness. In addition, associations between maternal variables during pregnancy and bonding were investigated. Maternal depression and self-criticism significantly increased from pregnancy to postpartum. Maternal anxiety, self-criticism, and facets of mindfulness during pregnancy were also associated with mother-infant bonding at 18 months. Maternal mental health during pregnancy is subject to change postchildbirth. The lack of control and autonomy accompanying motherhood may result in an increase in self-criticism during this period. Such feelings may elevate a woman's vulnerability to postpartum depression and have consequences for later maternal bonding. Early identification of at-risk mothers is important to increase likelihood of positive outcomes.

Trasfondo: el período perinatal es un momento de significativa transición para las mujeres, con cambios en la salud mental materna a partir del embarazo hasta los 18 meses después del parto. Este estudio específicamente analiza la auto-crítica y la plena atención maternas durante el embarazo y a los 18 meses después del parto y sus asociaciones con la vinculación afectiva. Método: un estudio longitudinal (gestación de 30 semanas a 18 meses después del parto) evaluó a 32 díadas madre-infante por medio de examinar cambios en cuanto a depresión materna, ansiedad, auto-crítica y plena atención. Adicionalmente, se investigaron las asociaciones entre las variables maternas durante el embarazo y la vinculación afectiva. Resultados: la depresión materna y la auto-crítica aumentaron significativamente desde el embarazo hasta después del parto. También se asociaron la ansiedad materna, la auto-crítica y facetas de la plena atención durante el embarazo con la vinculación afectiva entre madre e infante a los 18 meses. Discusión: la salud mental materna durante el embarazo está sujeta a cambiar después del nacimiento del niño. La falta de control y autonomía que acompaña a la maternidad pudiera resultar en un aumento en la auto-crítica durante este período. Tales sentimientos pudieran incrementar la vulnerabilidad de una mujer con respecto a la depresión posterior al parto y tener consecuencias más tarde en la vinculación afectiva materna. Es importante la temprana identificación de madres bajo riesgo para aumentar la probabilidad de resultados positivos.

Contexte: La période périnatale est un moment de transition importante pour les femmes, avec des changements dans la santé mentale maternelle de la grossesse à 18 mois après la naissance. Cette étude analyse plus spécifiquement l'autocritique maternelle et la pleine conscience durant la grossesse et à 18 mois après la naissance, ainsi que leur lien avec la connexion. Méthode: Une étude longitudinale (30 semaine de grosses à 18 mois après la naissance) a évalué 32 dyades mère-nourrisson, en examinant les changements dans la dépression maternelle, l'anxiété, l'autocritique et la pleine conscience. De plus les liens entre les variables maternelles durant la grossesse et la connexion ont fait l'objet de la recherche. Résultats : La dépression maternelle et l'autocritique ont fortement augmenté de la grossesse à la période postpartum. L'anxiété maternelle, l'autocritique et les facettes de pleine conscience durant la grossesse étaient également liées à la connexion mère-nourrisson à 18 mois. Discussion: La santé mentale maternelle durant la grossesse peut changer après la naissance de l'enfant. Le manque de contrôle et d'autonomie qui accompagne la maternité peut résulter en une augmentation de l'autocritique durant cette période. De tels sentiments peuvent élever la vulnérabilité d'une femme à la dépression postpartum et avoir des conséquences sur la connexion maternelle ultérieure. Une identification précoce des mères à risque est importante afin d'augmenter les chances de résultats positifs.

OBSERVING THE INFLUENCE OF MINDFULNESS AND ATTACHMENT STYLES THROUGH MOTHER AND INFANT INTERACTION: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY.

The cross-generational influence of attachment security or insecurity on caregiving is well-established. Recently, research has focused on mindfulness as a potential variable to interrupt the transmission of insecure attachment and disrupt its effect across generations. Thirty-six pregnant female participants completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire and Relationship Questionnaire-Clinical Version at 30 weeks' gestation. Following the infant's birth, mothers and their babies participated in a video-recorded feeding session at 7 to 10 weeks' postpartum. It was predicted that a secure attachment style and higher levels of mindfulness measured prenatally would be associated with greater maternal responsiveness postpartum. The hypothesis was supported for both the secure and insecure (fearful and profoundly distrustful) attachment styles. Mindfulness did not mediate the relationship between attachment and maternal distress. The mindfulness subscale Non-Reacting was significantly associated with maternal response to distress. These findings support the role of prenatal mindfulness skills and attachment security for later postnatal maternal sensitivity to baby.

"I'M OPENING MY ARMS RATHER THAN PUSHING AWAY:" PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF A MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTION AMONG HOMELESS WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN.

Family homelessness is associated with adverse outcomes in mothers and their young children. Evidence-based programs are needed to support the socioemotional needs of these families. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived benefits of participating in a mindfulness program in mother-child dyads receiving services at a therapeutic nursery serving homeless children under the age of 3 years. A convenience sample of 17 predominantly African American mothers participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Four themes were derived from the data regarding the perceived benefits of the mindfulness program: "me" time, maternal self-regulation, dyadic connectedness, and child well-being. Results demonstrate the perceived benefits of mindfulness on the parent-child relationship and have important implications for families at an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Because homelessness and residential instability confer considerable risk for young children, interventions to support effective parenting are critical.

BUILDING CAPACITY IN REFLECTIVE PRACTICE: A TIERED MODEL OF STATEWIDE SUPPORTS FOR LOCAL HOME-VISITING PROGRAMS.

This preliminary study examines an initiative to further develop capacity in reflective practice among public health home visitors and their supervisors. A Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Expansion Grant to the Minnesota Department of Health funded the development of a tiered structure to support reflective practice within county public health agencies throughout the state. Study data revealed a general consensus among individuals at all levels of the county programs that state supports were adequate to implement reflective practice. Although there were no significant changes in home-visitor and supervisor scores on a standardized measure linked to reflective functioning and reflective practice, a majority of home visitors and supervisors perceived that their knowledge and skills in reflective practice had increased during the evaluation period. A standardized measure of employee burnout did not reveal significant changes in either "depersonalization" (indicating burnout) or "personal accomplishment" (a mitigating factor in burnout) subscales; however, home visitor "emotional exhaustion" subscale scores did increase over the evaluation period. In contrast to the subscale results, home visitors reported a sense of accomplishment in their reflective work and that they value "releasing" emotions in a safe environment during reflective supervision.

MATERNAL MIND-MINDEDNESS: RELATIONS WITH MATERNAL-FETAL ATTACHMENT AND STABILITY IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF LIFE: FINDINGS FROM AN AUSTRALIAN PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Mind-mindedness captures a caregiver's attunement to his or her infant's mental states, and the tendency to interpret behavior as resulting from these mental states. The construct is assessed through analysis of maternal language during interaction or from mothers' use of mental state words when invited to describe their child. This study examined whether maternal-fetal attachment predicted maternal mind-mindedness, whether there was continuity in mind-mindedness over the first 2 postnatal years, and concordance for the two approaches to measurement. One hundred fifty women completed a questionnaire measure of maternal-fetal attachment in the third trimester of pregnancy and participated in home visits to assess maternal mind-mindedness when their infants were 7 months and 19 months of age. Path analysis showed that maternal-fetal attachment predicted indices of maternal mind-mindedness at 7 and 19 months; mothers who made more mind-related comments during play at 7 months also did so at 19 months, and mothers who made more mind-related comments during play at 19 months also used more mental state words when describing their child. Results suggest that a proclivity to mind-mindedness may be a caregiver characteristic that is present prior to birth and stable over time.