Mentalization-Based Interventions for Children Aged 6-12 and Their Carers: A Narrative Systematic Review

Abstract

The ability to mentalize is an important developmental capacity that facilitates effective social and emotional functioning. Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), which aims to improve mentalizing capacity, is widely used in adults and in parent-infant therapy, but adaptations of MBT for middle childhood are less well documented. A systematic search of key databases was carried out using a PICO model. Papers were included if they explicitly described a mentalization-based approach to work with children aged between 6 and 12 and/or their caregivers. Where outcomes were reported, quality was assessed. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted. Sixty-two publications were included, reporting on 29 unique mentalization-informed interventions for middle childhood. Although the majority were formulated as direct therapeutic work with children and their families, several MBT interventions work with whole systems, such as schools or children’s social care. Only 22 papers reported outcomes and many were of poor quality, lacking in assessment of child mentalizing or child-reported outcomes. A broad range of mentalization-based interventions are available for middle childhood, demonstrating wide-reaching applicability. Better quality research is needed to examine the evidence base for these treatments.