Citation

Julian MM, Riggs J, Wong K, Lawler JM, Brophy-Herb HE, Ribaudo J, Stacks A, Jester JM, Pitzen J, Rosenblum KL, Muzik M. Front. Psychiatry 2023; 14: e979740.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Frontiers Media)

DOI

10.3389/fpsyt.2023.979740

PMID

36926461

PMCID

PMC10012869

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research examining the effectiveness of home visiting programs that reduce child maltreatment or associated risks yield mixed findings; some find positive significant impacts on maltreatment, whereas others find small to no effects. The Michigan Model of Infant Mental Health Home Visiting (IMH-HV) is a manualized, needs-driven, relationship-focused, home-based intervention service that significantly impacts maternal and child outcomes; the effect of this intervention on child maltreatment has not been sufficiently evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined associations between treatment and dosage of IMH-HV and child abuse potential in a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial (RCT). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Participants included 66 mother-infant dyads (Mother M age = 31.93 years at baseline; child M age = 11.22 months at baseline) who received up to 1 year of IMH-HV treatment (Mdn = 32 visits) or no IMH-HV treatment during the study period.

METHODS: Mothers completed a battery of assessments including the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP) at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up assessment.

RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that after controlling for baseline BCAP scores, those who received any IMH-HV treatment had lower 12-month BCAP scores compared to those who received no treatment. Additionally, participation in more visits was associated with lower child abuse potential at 12 months, and a reduced likelihood of scoring in the risk range.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that greater participation in IMH-HV is associated with decreased risk for child maltreatment 1 year after initiating treatment. IMH-HV promotes parent-clinician therapeutic alliance and provides infant-parent psychotherapy which differentiate it from traditional home visiting programs.

Language: en

Keywords

parenting; child maltreatment risk; Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory; child abuse – prevention and control; home visiting; infant mental health; mother-infant dyads