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Handling Parents' Concerns Regarding the Behavioural Treatment of Infant Sleep Disturbance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Karyn G. France
Karyn G. France*
Affiliation:
University of Canterbury
*
Department of Education, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800 Christchurch, New Zealand
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Abstract

Infant sleep disturbance (ISD) is widespread and troublesome. Although effective management techniques have been established, some lay and professional authors have expressed concern about these interventions. These concerns are sometimes shared by parents who seek professional advice while feeling ambivalent about undertaking treatment. These concerns include (a) that ISD is normal and inevitable, (b) that it results from unnatural or artificial cultural practices, (c) the belief that ISD expresses a need state, and (d) the belief that the use of extinction is harmful. These concerns are examined and the management of ISD by extinction and its alternatives are considered in the light of the ethics of professional practice. It is concluded that these concerns are best answered within the context of a professional relationship based on a partnership and the sharing of expertise with parents.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 11 , Issue 2 , June 1994 , pp. 101 - 109
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1994

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References

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