Development and Evaluation of the Parenting Support Group Program for Mothers with Infants

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in parenting competency, parenting environment, and parenting stress by developing and applying parenting support group program based on the social support intervention model for mothers with infants. Methods: In this experimental study, mothers with infants of 8~12 weeks old were recruited. 23 mothers were selected for analysis (11 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group). The parenting support group program was provided to the experimental group for seven sessions with 120 minutes per session. Results: The experimental group showed that the parenting competency and parenting environment were significantly increased and the parenting stress was significantly decreased immediately after intervention. In the case of parenting environment, it was found to have a lasting effect until the point of further investigation. Conclusion: The results indicate that the program as a social support intervention strategy for mothers rearing up infants is effective intervention in a universal context in the community.