Evaluation of Early Relational Disturbance in High-Risk Populations: Development of the Mother-Infant Relationship Scale (MIRS)

This thesis reports on the development of a screening measure of distorted maternal representations (i.e., disturbed thoughts and feelings that a mother holds about the infant and self-as-parent) which could be used 1) clinically in order to identify dyads at risk of relational disturbance and offer early assessment and intervention when required, and 2) in research with high-risk populations. Mechanisms underlying early relational disturbance in high-risk populations and their impact on maternal and infant mental health are discussed.