Domestic Research Trends on Counseling for Parents of Infants and Young Children

This study examined research trends in counseling for parents of infants and young children in South Korea. The research method involved analyzing prior studies conducted between 2006 and 2024 by extracting keywords and content related to counseling for parents of infants and young children. From 45 selected studies, the analysis focused on foundational aspects of parent counseling in South Korea, as well as the specific themes and reported outcomes of each study. As a result, in terms of the foundational characteristics of this study, the research period spanned from 2006 to 2024. The sources consisted of academic journals and graduate theses, and the affiliated fields included education, counseling psychology, social welfare, early childhood care, special education, and theology. The research subjects were primary caregivers, categorized into general caregivers and those in special caregiving circumstances. The counseling settings were the actual locations where counseling sessions took place, including early childhood institutions, developmental centers, multicultural centers, and welfare facilities. The research methods consisted of qualitative research, quantitative research, and mixed-methods research. The research content was structured around overarching themes related to children, caregivers, special circumstances, and institutions. Each of these overarching themes was further classified into subthemes, analyzing counseling processes, interventions, and outcomes. Finally, in terms of recommendations and content regarding follow-up study, this study highlighted the need for further research on the achievement and growth processes of parental developmental tasks through counseling, while acknowledging the limitation of having conducted the research independently of parent education.