Does neural face processing explain effects of an attachment‐based intervention on maternal sensitivity? A randomized controlled study including pre‐ and postintervention measures
Brain and Behavior, vol. 12, pp. e01972
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although there is a large body of literature highlighting the behavioral effects of parenting interventions, studies on the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in such intervention effects remain scarce. PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to test whether changes in neural face processing (as reflected in N170 amplitudes) would act as a mediator in the association between the Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) and maternal sensitivity. METHODS: A total of 66 mothers of whom a random 33% received the VIPP-SD and the others a "dummy" intervention participated in pre- and postintervention assessments. We recorded mothers' electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in response to photographs of children's neutral, happy, and angry facial expressions. Maternal sensitivity was observed while mothers interacted with their offspring in a semi-structured play situation. RESULTS: In contrast with our expectations, we did not find evidence for mediation of intervention effects on maternal sensitivity by the N170. CONCLUSION: We discuss that parenting support programs may yield different effects on neurocognitive processes depending on the population and provide recommendations for future research. Our study underscores the importance of reporting null findings and preregistering studies in the field of neurocognitive research.
Authors 6
-
Laura Kolijn Aachen Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition
Leiden University · Amsterdam Public Health · Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Affiliation as printed
Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Van der Boechorststraat 7 Amsterdam North Holland 1081 BT The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1081 BT The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
-
Leiden University · Erasmus University Rotterdam
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus University Rotterdam The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
-
Saskia Euser Aachen Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition
Affiliation as printed
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
-
Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg corresponding Aachen Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition
Leiden University · Amsterdam Public Health · Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Affiliation as printed
Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Van der Boechorststraat 7 Amsterdam North Holland 1081 BT The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1081 BT The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
-
Leiden University · Erasmus University Rotterdam
Affiliation as printed
Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
-
Renske Huffmeijer Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands Institute of Education and Child Studies Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition
Affiliation as printed
Institute of Education and Child Studies Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Cited by 2 stored of 2
2 results
No patents citing this paper on Lens.org (checked 2026-10-11).