Canadian Parental Attitudes on Infant Sleep Training: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Data
Date
2024
Authors
Kim, Hana
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Despite research indicating no long-term effects on parent-child attachment, sleep training remains a polarizing topic in the parenting community due to the perceived risks of the practice. This study investigates Canadian parents' attitudes towards sleep training for infants aged 6-18 months through a qualitative secondary analysis of interview transcripts. Of 28 couples, 54% expressed a negative attitude toward sleep training, with 25% opposing it and 29% considering it a last resort. Meanwhile, 45% held a positive view, with 14% willing to adopt sleep training with modifications and 32% fully supportive. These findings underscore the widespread apprehension toward sleep training and the prevailing misconceptions that influence parental safe sleep choices, emphasizing the need for health professionals to provide evidence-based information to support parents in making informed decisions about sleep training their infants.
Description
Keywords
sleep training, infant sleep, parenting, behavioral intervention, attitudes, Canadian Parents