Development of a psychological model and recommendations for measuring intensive/adaptive interaction when used as a psychological intervention

This chapter describes a new model, which has been developed by the authors of this book and describes the psychological processes that they believe occur when intensive/adaptive interaction is used, across four domains. The domains are developing and maintaining positive attachments; promoting positive emotions; managing individual distress and improving the psychological wellbeing of supporters. The chapter describes the development of the model, linked to chapters across the book. It also highlights measures that can be utilised to capture these psychological processes, to strengthen the research pertaining to intensive/adaptive interaction as a psychological intervention. The chapter concludes with a ‘call to arms’ for psychological practitioners to adopt intensive and adaptive interaction if they are not already using it, and for those who are, to continue to share practice, including through research and embedding within services and in professional guidance.