Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a preventative, intensive, and comprehensive intervention project designed to improve early parenting. Forty-eight at-risk mothers were randomly assigned to either a treatment condition consisting of joint-attention treatment training, developmental knowledge training, and loving touch training or a minimal support control condition. Following the intervention, treatment mothers were less rigid, less intrusive and more flexible than control mothers, indicating reduced tendencies to exert control over infants. Treatment mothers also had better understanding of infants’ cognitive needs, indicated by higher quality verbalizations, more demonstrative teaching, and less role reversal. Participants did not differ in emotional expression towards their infants. Overall, results showed meaningful changes in knowledge and skills of at-risk mothers.
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