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01-05-2008 | Original Paper

Enhancing Parenting Practices of At-risk Mothers

Authors: Carol E. Akai, Cathy L. Guttentag, Kathleen M. Baggett, Christine C. Willard Noria, The Centers for the Prevention of Child Neglect

Published in: Journal of Prevention | Issue 3/2008

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve early parenting by increasing understanding of infant developmental needs and promoting maternal responsiveness as indicated by increased positive behavior support for infants and decreased psychological control. At-risk mothers were randomly assigned to control or treatment conditions, the latter consisting of training in parental responsiveness, developmental knowledge, and loving touch. Following the intervention, treatment mothers reduced their controlling tendencies; they were less rigid, less intrusive, and more flexible than control mothers. Treatment mothers provided more parental support indicated by higher quality verbalizations, more demonstrative teaching, and lower role-reversal tendencies. Editors’ Strategic Implications: Further replication will be necessary, but the results for the “My Baby and Me” program are promising. The authors provide crucial information for parent educators about the pairing of basic knowledge transfer with the active engagement of parents with their infants in practicing new parenting skills.

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Title: Enhancing Parenting Practices of At-risk Mothers
Authors: Carol E. Akai
Cathy L. Guttentag
Kathleen M. Baggett
Christine C. Willard Noria
The Centers for the Prevention of Child Neglect
Publication date: 01-05-2008
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Prevention / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 2731-5533
Electronic ISSN: 2731-5541
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-008-0134-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Enhancing Parenting Practices of At-risk Mothers

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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