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A therapeutic nursery evaluation study
L M Ware1, E S Novotny, L Coyne
1Menninger Preschool Evaluation Study, Menninger Child and Family Study Center, Topeka, Kansas, USA.
Insights
A therapeutic nursery program significantly improved behavior and social-emotional growth in troubled preschoolers. Mothers also reported reduced depression, indicating the program
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Preschoolers with serious behavioral disturbances require effective interventions.
- Early childhood mental health programs are crucial for development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic nursery program for troubled preschoolers.
- To assess the impact of the program on child behavior and social-emotional development.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study with a pre-post design.
- Involved 38 seriously disturbed preschoolers.
- Utilized standardized assessment instruments like the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Kohn Social Competence Scale, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, Behavioral Observations, and the Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D) for mothers.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in internalizing and externalizing behaviors (CBCL).
- Enhanced social competence, including learning, peer interactions, and play (Kohn Scale).
- Improved socialization skills beyond maturation (Vineland Scale) and better child capacities and relationship qualities (Behavioral Observations).
- Mothers reported decreased depressive symptoms (CES-D).
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic nursery program is effective for seriously troubled preschoolers.
- The comprehensive program fosters gains in behavior, social skills, and emotional growth.
- Positive outcomes extend to maternal mental health.
Abstract:
The object of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic nursery program for troubled preschoolers attending the Preschool Day Treatment Center of The Menninger Clinic. Thirty-eight seriously disturbed preschoolers were assessed both at admission and at 9 months or at discharge (if before 9 months) in a pre-post design. Commonly used assessment instruments were collected by independent research clinicians. Significant gains were found in both internalizing and externalizing behaviors on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The Kohn Social Competence Scale showed significant improvement in learning, pleasurable play activities, and peer interactions. The socialization domain on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale also indicated improvement beyond expectable maturation. In the Behavioral Observations test, both the capacities of the child and the qualities of the relationship were shown to be improved. As measured by the Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D), mothers also became less depressed. Overall, the researchers conclude that a therapeutic nursery with a comprehensive program is an effective way to help seriously troubled preschoolers make gains in behavior, as well as in social and emotional growth.
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