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Parent-training programmes for improving maternal psychosocial health.
1Health Services Research Unit, University of Oxford, Institute of Health Sciences, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, UK, OX3 7LF. esther.coren@public-health.oxford.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 19, 2001
Summary
Group-based parenting programmes significantly improve maternal psychosocial health, including depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, with benefits maintained over time. Further research is needed for long-term effectiveness and broader generalizability.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Maternal psychosocial health significantly impacts mother-infant relationships and child psychological development.
- Parenting programmes are increasingly used, necessitating evidence of their effectiveness for maternal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of group-based parenting programmes in enhancing maternal psychosocial health.
- Specifically assessing impacts on maternal anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched multiple electronic databases and the Cochrane Library.
- Included studies with group-based parenting programmes and standardized psychosocial health measures.
Main Results:
- Meta-analyses of 17 studies showed significant improvements in maternal depression, anxiety/stress, self-esteem, and marital adjustment.
- No significant effectiveness was found for social support.
- Follow-up data indicated sustained improvements in self-esteem and marital adjustment, though depression improvements were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Group-based parenting programmes contribute positively to short-term maternal psychosocial health, with some benefits persisting over time.
- Limited long-term follow-up data necessitate further research on sustained effectiveness.
- Caution is advised when generalizing results, and further research is required.