Marshak Interaction Method (MIM)

The Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) is a structured technique for observing and assessing the overall quality and nature of relationships between caregivers and child.

The MIM assessment is a semistructured, videotaped parent-child observation procedure (Marschak, 1960) which is designed to elicit different aspects of the parent-child relationship known to be important in terms of the child’s development, namely both child-rearing as well as emotional sides of parenting. The MIM can be scored using different valid and reliable scoring systems. In our assessment the D-EIS (Salo & Mäkelä, 2017), and EAS (Biringen, 2010) scoring systems are utilised.

It consists of a series of simple tasks designed to elicit behaviours in four primary dimensions in order to evaluate the caregivers’ capacity to:

  • Set limits and provide an appropriately ordered environment (Structure)
  • Engage the child in interaction while being attuned to the child’s state (Engagement)
  • Meet the child’s needs for attention, soothing and care (Nurture)
  • Support and encourage the child’s efforts to achieve at a developmentally appropriate level (Challenge)
  • And the child’s ability to respond to the caregivers’ efforts

The team at Caidreamh use the MIM for assessment and ongoing therapeutic work in birth and foster families. For further information about this assessment and its benefits please contact the team.