1-144 - International Perspectives on Parenting Interventions for At-Risk Families

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

This symposium fosters understanding of the diversity and efficacy of preventive interventions to support healthy parenting and early child development. The papers address the implementation and effectiveness of parenting/child development interventions that are diverse in country of origin (Chile, Israel, U.S.), program theory, auspices and approach (e.g., group; home visiting), implementation scale (e.g., government-supported universal access vs. smaller targeted programs), and population (e.g., income, race/ethnicity, sex/age of parents).

Paper 1 presents results from program evaluations (e.g., quasi-experimental; qualitative; implementation; efficacy) of a Chilean early intervention program to support caregiver-child interaction and child development among low income families. The program uses multiple approaches (home visiting; center-based group activities). Positive findings in parenting, caregiver satisfaction, and child development are reported.

Paper 2 explores the role of anticipatory guidance provided to parents in a U.S. study that provides program-designed books containing child development and parenting messages to low income families in an effort to enhance parenting attitudes and behaviors. The intervention is unique in the inclusion of fathers, as well as mothers.

Paper 3 presents the results of an Israeli group intervention program aimed to enhance reflective functioning, parents’ capacity to understand mental states that underlies positive parenting. Improvements in both maternal beliefs and mother-child interaction will be discussed.

Paper 4 presents long-term results of a randomized control trial (RCT) of a US statewide home visiting support program for young parents. Five years after program enrollment, positive program effects were evident in maternal mental health, health care usage, and children’s executive function.

Sub Unit

• Prevention and Interventions

Chairs

• Ann Easterbrooks, Tufts University

• Natasha Cabrera, University of Maryland

Individual Presentations

• Crecer Jugando (Growing Playing): Supporting Chilean Caregiver-Child Dyads’ Relationships - Presenting Author: Magdalena Mongillo, Infancia Primero Foundation; María Paz Fillol, Infancia Primero Foundation; María de los Angeles Castro, Infancia Primero Foundation; Paula Bedregal, Universidad Católica's Department of Public Health; Veronica Mingo, Tufts University

• BabyBooks2: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) to Test the Effects of a Book Intervention for Low-income Mothers and Fathers - Presenting Author: Natasha Cabrera, University of Maryland; Stephanie M Reich, University of California, Irvine; Catherine Kuhns, University of Maryland

• Enhancing Parental Reflective Functioning in Early Childhood: The Israeli Reflective Parenting Program - Presenting Author: Naama Atzaba-Poria, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Atara Menashe, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

• Long-term Effects of Home Visiting on Parenting and Child Development: A Randomized Control Trial - Presenting Author: Ann Easterbrooks, Tufts University; Jana H Chaudhuri, Tufts University; Rebecca Fauth, Tufts University