Maternal sensitivity training programs: preventing child maltreatment through community-based interventions
Molood Alimirzaie1, Farzana Ashraf2, Urooj Sadiq3
1Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Attachment & Human Development
|August 5, 2026
Summary
A culturally adapted maternal sensitivity training program significantly improved parenting sensitivity and reduced child maltreatment risk in Iranian mothers. The intervention showed promise, especially in urban settings, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue in Iran.
- Complex socioeconomic and cultural factors contribute to child maltreatment.
- Parental sensitivity is crucial for child development and preventing maltreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a culturally adapted maternal sensitivity training program.
- To assess the program's impact on maternal sensitivity and child maltreatment risk.
- To explore urban-rural differences in program outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental study with 60 Iranian mothers (children aged 0-5 years).
- Intervention group received 8 weekly sessions of culturally adapted Video-Feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD).
- Control groups received no intervention; outcomes measured using Persian Maternal Behavior Q-Sort and Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale, controlling for depression and SES.
Main Results:
- Experimental groups showed significant improvements in maternal sensitivity (partial η²=.72) and reduced maltreatment risk (partial η²=.66).
- Urban mothers demonstrated stronger maintained effects at 3-month follow-up.
- Geographical location (urban vs. rural) moderated the intervention's outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The culturally adapted maternal sensitivity training program shows potential for promoting protective parenting in Iran.
- The intervention effectively enhanced maternal sensitivity and decreased maltreatment risk.
- Further large-scale randomized trials are recommended due to study limitations (non-randomization, small sample size, short follow-up).
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