Impact of parental attachment on paediatric procedural distress
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation of the impact of parental attachment on paediatric procedural distress.
IRAS ID
251911
Contact name
Angus MacBeth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh,
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 16 days
Research summary
Children undergo several medical procedures during their childhood. Medical procedures range from routine check-ups to vaccinations and complex surgical operations. It is common for children to experience distress during these procedures. Distress may present as cries, screams, and facial expressions.
One factor that influences children’s distress is their parent’s behaviour. Some parental behaviours have been linked to reduced child distress. An example of this is using humour. Other behaviours have been associated with higher levels of distress. An example of these behaviours is apologising to the child. However, we don’t know why some parents take part in helpful behaviours more than others? This study is going to look at whether the relationships that parents had in their childhood influences their parenting behaviours now.
This idea is based on attachment theory. Attachment theory suggests that early relationships between the child and their caregiver influences the individual’s future relationships. A secure attachment style develops when the primary care giver is available and responds to the child’s needs. The child can then explore the world. Research explains that individuals who have a secure attachment often use adaptive parenting behaviours later in life.
This study wants to find out if parental attachment style accounts for some of the differences between how parents behave during paediatric medical procedures.
This study will be carried out over 18 months. Parents and children who attend the paediatric service for needle procedures will be invited to take part in this study. Parents will be asked to complete three questionnaires before their child’s needle procedure. Parents, children and the medical professional involved in their procedure will be asked two questions each after the procedure.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
19/SS/0015
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion