Experimenting with the family in the newborn period: a commentary.

Belsky has described the ineffectiveness of employing the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale as an intervention device with new families. In light of the previous reports of success in enhancing parent-infant interaction with such procedures, we suggest a number of alternate explanations for the disparity in results across investigations. Furthermore, in examining the dynamics of these interventions, we propose that empowering new parents with a sense of competency may be as critical to success as showcasing the capabilities of the newborn.