From Action to Interaction. Marte Meo Video Counselling in an African Context

Background: Sensitive and supportive interactions are keys to healthy development in the early years of life. Parents and other caregivers can promote social and emotional functioning through Marte Meo Counselling. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate whether Marte Meo Counselling was applicable in an African institutional context. Method: We chose a qualitative research design, using participant observation and focus group interviews with caregivers before, right after and one year after Marte Meo Counselling. Findings: The main finding is that the caregivers are more aware of the various infants’ cues. They describe new practices in their daily work as well as a change in their attitudes and behaviours towards the infants. Conclusion: We found that Marte Meo Counselling facilitated social and emotional development for the institutionalised infants, and thus it is applicable in this African context. Implications for Practice: Caregivers of vulnerable infants should be offered Marte Meo Counselling or similar methods focusing on enhancing emotional and social development.