Recent research

Itla / The first 1000 days of a child network · 2026

Report highlights early support for families — the effects reach across a child's whole life

A recent Nordic report highlights the importance of early identification, support and equal services during pregnancy and the first years of life. It brings together more than 60 psychosocial methods with research or effectiveness evidence for supporting families.

The research evidence is clear: social support, continuity of care, sensitive early interaction, stable living conditions and the early identification of risks all protect the wellbeing of the whole family.

Journal of Economic Psychology · 2026

A positive parenting style is linked to a child's self-esteem, emotion regulation and cognitive skills

An international study shows that a positive parenting style is associated with better self-esteem, emotion regulation and cognitive skills in children. The results underline how interactive and supportive parenting matters for child development.

University of Oulu · 2026

Maternal sensitivity protects preterm children from emotional and behavioural problems

A large international meta-analysis led by the University of Oulu shows that maternal sensitivity is a significant factor in reducing the risks associated with preterm birth. Early interaction and sensitive parenting support the development of a child's emotional life and behaviour.

The results offer concrete evidence that interaction between parent and child is a key factor in child development, and that sensitive parenting is worth supporting systematically from an early stage, and especially after a preterm birth.