Effects of a Structured Reflective Interview on Parental Reflective Functioning: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract The Parental Reflective Interview Procedure was developed as part of an initial assessment interview for attachment-based intervention child mental health conditions. This study a pilot randomised controlled trial that utilised parallel, single-blind design to evaluate the differences in effects compared diagnostic on parental reflective functioning. control group administered structured (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Children and Adolescents—Parent Version) matched time with clinician. sample were 25 parents clinic-referred children who scored above clinical cut-off score Child Behaviour Checklist. functioning measured Functioning Questionnaire at baseline repeated post-intervention, then again two-week follow up. Results showed produced moderate improvements parents’ understanding their children’s states maintenance reflections intergenerational parent-child relationship patterns. decreases both these dimensions. findings suggest is promising format when referral indicates difficulty relationship. acts good orientation focused dynamics. Further work refining this interview, its coding integration into tailored feedback session required.