An evaluation of a groupwork intervention for teenage mothers and their families

Abstract

A B S T R AC TThis paper describes the implementation of a specific, communitybased, multi-family group (MFG) intervention strategy (Families and Schools Together [FAST] babies) aimed at improving the outcomes for infants of teenage mothers in 11 Canadian communities. The aims of this social work group intervention were (1) to engage the teenage mothers into a socially inclusive experience that might challenge the social disapproval they often experience, (2) to enhance the motherinfant bond, while increasing feelings of parental efficacy, and (3) to enhance the social context of the teenage mother by reducing stress, social isolation and intergenerational family conflict. Groups were co-led by teams of service users (a young mother, a grandmother of the baby of a teenage mother and a father of the baby of a teenage mother) collaborating with multi-agency professionals (health visitors and social workers). Teams that reflected the ethnic diversity of the participating family members were trained to facilitate eight weekly group meetings. They showed respect for the young women's 'voice', and supported her 'choice' to prioritize motherhood as her defining identity. The meetings comprised a range of activities, including crafts and singing, discussion of 'conflict scenarios' in cross-familial, crossgenerational groups, infant massage delivered to babies by the young mothers, grandmother support groups, and a shared community meal. Where necessary, teams made referrals for specialist help. One hundred twenty-eight young mothers came once to 17 groups, and 90% graduated having attended a minimum of six sessions. Evaluation data from mothers and grandmothers showed positive change when comparing pre and post, based on standardized questionnaires. One-tailed, paired t-tests showed statistically significant increases in parental self-efficacy for the teenage mothers, improved parent-child bonds, reductions in stress and family conflict, and increases in social support. Given that rates of teenage pregnancy in the UK are among the highest in Europe, this paper concludes with a discussion of the feasibility and possible merits of introducing FAST babies to England.

Parent–infant music courses in Iceland: perceived benefits and mental well-being of mothers

“…Nevertheless there is evidence that many adolescent and young mothers can provide good parenting, although, as a group, young mothers tend to be less knowledgeable about child development than older mothers and more punitive in their attitudes towards child rearing (Reis 1989). However, intervention studies suggest that young mothers can be strengthened in their mothering skills through systematic care and support (McDonald et al 2009;Robinson and Emde 2004).…”

Small groups for parents: motives and practical issues boosting attendance

“…They have been made available for all parents with their first child (Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 2008; Guest and Keatinge 2009;Hallberg, Beckman, and Håkansson 2010) or for special groups such as mothers or parents who are very young, who suffer from domestic violence or who have lost custody of their children, as well as for families with children who have behavioural disorders or problems with language development (Levac et al 2008;O'Neil-Pirozzi 2009;Barlow et al 2010;Grip, Almqvist, and Broberg 2011;Slettebø 2011;Furlong et al 2012). Small group activities have become a very important alternative for supplementing public health care and social welfare in many countries and will be important future modes of psychosocial work (Ireys, Chernoff, and Stein 2001;Coren, Barlow, and Stewart-Brown 2003;Mohr 2003Mohr , 2004McDonald et al 2008;Viitala, Kekkonen and Paavola 2008). National strategies of countries (e.g.…”

“…According to McDonald et al (2008), group interventions that embody the social work values of shared governance, social support and social inclusion seem to appeal people, while individual approaches or traditional teaching approaches may not. The participants experience empowerment and the activities help individuals in a demanding life situation to connect with their communities (McDonald et al 2008;O'Neil-Pirozzi 2009;Bohr et al 2010;Turney and Harknett 2010;Grip, Almqvist, and Broberg 2011;Slettebø 2011). Group activities complement services that focus on the individual and are driven by professional expertise by enabling participants to bring out their own expertise to promote mutual support.…”

“…Small groups focused on parenting improve parents' psychosocial well-being by diminishing anxiety and emotional distress (Long et al 2001;Ireys, Chernoff, and Stein 2001;Stewart-Brown et al 2004;Levac et al 2008;McDonald et al 2008;Bohr et al 2010; Barlow et al 2011;Grip, Almqvist, and Broberg 2011;Furlong et al 2012). Furthermore, they boost parents' confidence in their parenthood and improve their self-esteem (Coren, Barlow, and Stewart-Brown 2003;Stewart-Brown et al 2004;62 A. Häggman-Laitila and A.-M. Pietilä Patterson, Mockford, and Stewart-Brown 2005;Levac et al 2008;McDonald et al 2008;Bohr et al 2010;Grip, Almqvist, and Broberg 2011;Salinas, Smith, and Armstrong 2011;Slettebø 2011).…”

Family ecology and adolescents premature pregnancies: multiple case studies of Malaysia

“…Prevention programmes that involve parents' participation are proven to be effective to response to the problem of premature sex and premature pregnancy among at-risk adolescents; as well as successful in delaying the adolescent involvement in premature sexual activities (Bouris et al, 2012;Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2011(b); Tanner et al, 2008;Forehand et al, 2007 The treatment includes a case management system and supportive counselling intervention, which are delivered in the family domain, or home sphere of the involved at-risk teens (McDonald et al, 2009). The therapy gives special attention to parents-adolescent child communication, parents-adolescent child caregiving role, and parents-adolescent child interaction patterns (Chemiss, 1966).…”