The observation of triadic family interactions with the Lausanne Trilogue Play (LTP): which influences and trend from pregnancy to the preschool age?

The systemic-relational perspective by Fivaz-Depeursigne and Corboz-Warnery (Lausanne Trilogue Play) and Belsky’s model of parenting constitute a valuable theoretical and methodological framework to observe family interactions. Few researches have investigated the development of the quality of family interactions adopting the LTP and a longitudinal approach; besides available results are inconsistent. The present study aims to investigate: a) the developmental patterns of observed mother-father-child interactions from pregnancy to preschool age b) the influence of dyadic satisfaction and father involvement on the quality of triadic interactions longitudinally.103 families were observed at pregnancy, 4th, 9th, 12th, 18th month of child’s life and at preschool age (36th-48th month), with the LTP (prenatal and postnatal), together with two self-report measures investigating marital quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale; Spanier, 1976) and father involvement in childcare (Father Involvement Questionnaire; Frascarolo, 1994). Data were analyzed through a multilevel approach, in order to highlight the developmental trend and influencing variables. Data indicate that future parents’ interactive capacities showed during pregnancy influence postnatal triadic relationships. Moreover, the quality of family interactions increases from pregnancy to preschool age. Father involvement and dyadic satisfaction differently contribute to family interaction quality and its trend over time. Higher levels of father involvement predict a higher quality of interactions between mother-father-child. Dyadic satisfaction shows a deterioration over time, which is inversely associated to the quality of observed interactions. The improvement of the quality of early family exchanges represents a valuable result given the role of family interactions as developmental matrix for child’s socio-emotional development. Moreover, fathers involvement in childcare can be considered a particularly important resource for the family, exerting its positive influence from the earliest stages of child’s life.