Development and pilot evaluation of an Internet-facilitated cognitive-behavioral intervention for maternal depression.

Abstract

Objective Develop and pilot an Internet-facilitated cognitive-behavioral treatment intervention for depression, tailored to economically disadvantaged mothers of young children. Method Mothers (N = 70) of children enrolled in Head Start, who reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms, were randomized to either the eight-session, Internet-facilitated intervention (Mom-Net) or delayed intervention/facilitated treatment-as-usual (DI/TAU). Outcomes were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996); the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9; Spitzer et al., 1999), Behavioral Observations of Parent-Child Interactions using the Living in Family Environments coding system (LIFE; Hops, Davis, & Longoria, 1995); and the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding Systems (DPICS; Eyberg, Nelson, Duke, & Boggs, 2005); the Parent Behavior Inventory (PBI; Lovejoy, Weis, O’Hare, & Rubin, 1999); and the Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC; Gibaud-Wallston & Wandersman, 1978). Results Mom-Net demonstrated high levels of feasibility as indicated by low attrition and high program usage and satisfaction ratings. Participants in the Mom-Net condition demonstrated significantly greater reduction in depression, the primary outcome, at the level of both symptoms and estimates of criteria-based diagnoses over the course of the intervention. They also demonstrated significantly greater improvement on a questionnaire measure of parent satisfaction and efficacy as well as on both questionnaire and observational indices of harsh parenting behavior. Conclusions Initial results suggest that the Mom-Net intervention is feasible and efficacious as a remotely delivered intervention for economically disadvantaged mothers.

Client experiences of guided internet cognitive behavior therapy for postpartum depression: a qualitative study

“…While preliminary evidence suggests that TAICBT is effective for PPD reported by mothers of young children (Sheeber et al 2012), women's perceptions of TAICBT for PDD have not been explored. Thematic analysis of 25 participants' accounts of a TAICBT program suggested that postnatal women generally reported positive experiences with TAICBT but also noted challenges related to TAICBT.…”

“…Women who participated in the Mom-Net program reported significant improvements on measures of depression and parental satisfaction and efficacy, as well as a reduction in observational indices of harsh parenting behavior (Sheeber et al 2012). Furthermore, attrition was low, with nearly two thirds of women completing all internet-facilitated sessions (Sheeber et al 2012). While participants in the Mom-Net intervention reported satisfaction with the program, perceptions of the program and suggestions for areas of improvement were not examined.…”

“…Seventy women were randomized to receive either the TAICBT program or TAU. Women who participated in the Mom-Net program reported significant improvements on measures of depression and parental satisfaction and efficacy, as well as a reduction in observational indices of harsh parenting behavior (Sheeber et al 2012). Furthermore, attrition was low, with nearly two thirds of women completing all internet-facilitated sessions (Sheeber et al 2012).…”

“…Another internet-facilitated intervention, Mom-Net, targeted economically disadvantaged mothers of young children using a therapist-assisted internet CBT program (TAICBT; Sheeber et al 2012). The TAICBT program included eight sessions that focused on CBT skills with adaptations relevant to mothers.…”

The effects of psychological treatment of maternal depression on children and parental functioning: a meta-analysis

“…Puckering [37] Observed mother-infant interactions Sheeber [39] Mother aggression/low support (observation); Parent Behavior Inventory (PBI), hostile/coercive (HC) and supportive/ engaged (SE)…”