The term "pictorial representation of attachment" most specifically refers to The Pictorial Representation of Attachment Measure (PRAM), a specialized tool designed to evaluate how parents think and feel about their relationship with their infant.
Based on research, such as the information provided:
- The Pictorial Representation of Attachment Measure (PRAM: [21]) is a tool designed to measure parental representations of the (antenatal) parent-infant relationship in (expectant) fathers and mothers.
This means that instead of relying solely on verbal descriptions, the PRAM utilizes pictures or visual elements to explore the often complex and sometimes non-explicit ways parents conceptualize their bond with their child, even before the child is born (antenatal) or after birth.
Understanding the PRAM
The PRAM serves a specific purpose in psychological and developmental research:
Key Aspects of the PRAM Tool
- What it is: A tool for assessment.
- What it measures: Parental representations – essentially, a parent's internal working models, thoughts, feelings, and expectations about the parent-infant relationship.
- Relationship Focus: Specifically measures the (antenatal) parent-infant relationship. This includes the period before birth for expectant parents.
- Target Population: Used for both (expectant) fathers and mothers.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To measure parental representations of the parent-infant relationship. |
| Method | Utilizes pictorial representation. |
| Relationship Assessed | The (antenatal) parent-infant relationship. |
| Users | Administered to (expectant) fathers and mothers. |
| Key Reference Tool Name | The Pictorial Representation of Attachment Measure (PRAM). |
By using pictures, the PRAM aims to access aspects of parental beliefs and feelings that might be difficult to articulate verbally or might be held implicitly. This provides insights into the foundation of the attachment bond from the parent's perspective.
