History of 'Serve and Return' and a Synthesis of the Literature on its Impacts on Children's Health and Development

38 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2022

See all articles by Jelena Komanchuk

Jelena Komanchuk

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing

Nicole Letourneau

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing

Linda Duffett-Leger

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing

Judy L. Cameron

University of Pittsburgh - Department of Psychiatry

Abstract

Theoretical Principles: Building on well-established links between the impact of a child’s early relationships and their health and attachment security, neuroscientific studies illuminate an array of links between children’s brain development and their lifelong health. Parent/caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness comprise environmental influences that are particularly important for children’s health and development. To translate and mobilize this knowledge, the 'serve and return' metaphor was created to help providers and caregivers understand the importance of sensitive and responsive early caregiving.

Phenomena Addressed: We explain the concept of 'serve and return', outline historical and theoretical principles that culminated in the 'serve and return' metaphor, highlight parent and child constructs associated with 'serve and return' interactions, and present a synthesis of literature examining the association between sensitive and responsive caregiving and children’s development, attachment security, and health outcomes.

Research Linkages: Nurse-scientist pioneer, Dr. Kathryn Barnard, developed the Parent-Child Interaction Teaching and Feeding Scales, the most widely employed observational tools to measure parent-child interaction quality. We present reviews on parental sensitivity and responsivity to demonstrate the vital importance of 'serve and return' interactions on children’s health and developmental outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare professionals in public policy, community health, education, research, and pediatric roles need knowledge of the importance of 'serve and return' interactions. Through promoting interventions and initiatives that support 'serve and return' interactions, nurses and other healthcare professionals can optimize children’s health and development.

Note:
Funding Information: None.

Conflict of Interests: None.


Keywords: serve and return, parental sensitivity, parental responsivity, child health, child development

Suggested Citation

Komanchuk, Jelena and Letourneau, Nicole and Duffett-Leger, Linda and Cameron, Judy L., History of 'Serve and Return' and a Synthesis of the Literature on its Impacts on Children's Health and Development. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4254655 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4254655

Jelena Komanchuk (Contact Author)

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing ( email )

Calgary
Canada

Nicole Letourneau

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing ( email )

Linda Duffett-Leger

University of Calgary - Faculty of Nursing ( email )

Judy L. Cameron

University of Pittsburgh - Department of Psychiatry ( email )

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