Promover a qualidade das relações em Intervenção Precoce com o método Video Hometraining/ Video Interaction Guidance (VHT/VIG)

Abstract

This study aimed to research the effect of using the Video Hometraining/Video Interaction Guidance (VHT/VIG) method on the quality of the relationships experienced by a group of Portuguese children and their families; they live in a district at the centre of the country and are being supported by the National System for Early Intervention in Childhood (SNIPI). The research design was based on an assumption of intervention in cascade, assuming that a direct intervention aiming to enable SNIPI professionals, would have indirect effects in enabling and empowering the families supported by them, and in emotional well-being and learning opportunities of the families’ children, at risk of developmental delay (established or due to biological or environmental factors). Standardized tools were used to assess professional (experiential) performance and vulnerability to stresse of the SNIPI professionals; depressive symptomatology, resources and needs of the families; growth and development of the children. Two other Portuguese districts were constituted as comparison groups. Data were collected at three moments (T0, T1 and T2), over a two years period, in a convenience sample (based on families/children and respective EI professionals, in each district), involving: in the intervention group, an initial n of 113 families and 43 professionals, ending with 23 and 18, respectively; in the comparison group # 1, an initial n of 49 families and 38 professionals, ending with 16 and 11, respectively; and in comparison group # 2, an initial n of 166 families and 54 professionals, ending with 34 and 17, respectively. The results show significant differences in some of the studied dimensions; other, suggest the need to examine a variety of circumstances present in communities, in services and in the families’ and children’s lives. The VHT/VIG has proved to be an important means in the process of enabling SNIPI professionals to intervene in natural contexts where the lives of children and families are taking place, in transdisciplinary team, and developing a relationships focused, based on strengths, family-centered, ecological and reflective approach.