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Trauma-Informed Behavioral Parenting for Early Intervention

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Abstract

Objectives

Training in trauma-informed early intervention programs is greatly needed for Part C early intervention providers (EIs). This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes of Trauma-Informed Behavioral Parenting (TIBP; subsequently renamed Smart Start), an early intervention program designed to meet the social–emotional needs of toddlers enrolled in Part C services.

Methods

This pilot study consisted of training and supervising 5 EIs to implement TIBP with 8 parent–child dyads as part of their Part C services. Preliminary changes in child behavior problems, trauma exposures, parenting stress, and parenting skills were evaluated quantitively. EIs completed treatment integrity measures. Focus groups provided data regarding the feasibility of implementation and caregiver attitudes about TIBP.

Results

Significant reductions in child trauma symptoms on both the YCPC-PTSD (S = 11.5, p = 0.0586, rMPRB = 0.64) and YCPC-FI (S = 11.5, p = 0.0586, rMPRB = 0.53) were indicated. No significant changes in externalizing behaviors were observed. Caregivers demonstrated improved use of positive verbal reinforcement and verbal reflections, and reported improvements on parent–child dysfunctional interactions on the PSI-SF (S = 16, p = 0.0117, rMPRB = 0.89). All focus group participants reported benefits from participating in TIBP. EIs demonstrated high adherence to treatment protocol and identified TIBP as a feasible program to implement within Part C services.

Conclusions

This study showed promising results as a means to disseminate evidence-based practices into a community-level program to address the social–emotional needs of toddlers. The need for additional, large sample research was highlighted.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Florida State University Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Author Contributions

H.A.: designed and executed the study, assisted with data collection and data analyses, and wrote the paper. C.A.M.: executed the study, assisted with data collection and data analyses, and wrote the paper. E.F.: collaborated with data collection, data analyses and writing of the study. J.F.: collaborated with data analyses and writing of the study. E.S.H. and A.S.: collaborated with the design and writing of the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Florida, 13101N. Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Heather Agazzi, Carrie Adams, Emily Ferron, Emily Shaffer-Hudkins & Alison Salloum

  2. University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA

    John Ferron

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  1. Heather Agazzi
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  3. Emily Ferron
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Correspondence to Heather Agazzi.

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Conflict of Interest

Drs. Heather Agazzi, Carolyn Adams Murphy, Alison Salloum, and Emily Shaffer-Hudkins are authors of this intervention. Research studies like this one are done to determine whether the new treatment is safe and effective.

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the University of South Florida IRB.

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All human participants were consented prior to participation in this study in accordance with the USF IRB.

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Agazzi, H., Adams, C., Ferron, E. et al. Trauma-Informed Behavioral Parenting for Early Intervention. J Child Fam Stud 28, 2172–2186 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01435-3

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