Home-visiting Parenting Programs to Improve Mother-Infant Interactions at Early Ages: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health
• Family Studies

Background:

• Early childhood mother-child interactions are crucial for child development.
• Preventive parenting programs aim to support and enhance these interactions.
• Home-visiting preventive parenting programs (HV-PPs) offer targeted support in the home environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of HV-PPs on mother-child interactions in early childhood.
• To synthesize evidence on the efficacy of various HV-PP designs and delivery methods.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA protocol, searching major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, etc.).
• Inclusion of 3,586 identified studies published between 2018-2022, with 17 selected for final review.
• Analysis of study designs, program characteristics (e.g., video feedback), dosages, and reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• 77% of reviewed studies demonstrated significant positive effects of HV-PPs on mother-child interactions.
• Improvements were primarily noted in positive maternal behaviors, such as sensitivity and responsiveness.
• Effectiveness was consistent across various study designs, sample characteristics, and outcome measures.

Conclusions:

• HV-PPs are effective in enhancing early childhood mother-child interactions, despite program heterogeneity.
• Certain program parameters (e.g., <6 sessions, <3 months duration, very early start) may be less impactful.
• Further research is needed on negative maternal behaviors, child behaviors, and dyadic interaction dynamics.