Carla Stover | Yale University (original) (raw)

Papers by Carla Stover

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the Special Issue on the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment

Child Maltreatment, Aug 1, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers for Change: A New Approach to Working with Families Impacted by Violence

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing Family Violence Through Child Welfare Intervention: A Propensity Score-Matched Study of Fathers for Change

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent, costly, and detrimental to children’s health and de... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent, costly, and detrimental to children’s health and development. It often co-occurs with child abuse and neglect. Most children referred to child protective services (CPS) have witnessed IPV and are at increased risk for subsequent exposure, as well as repeat maltreatment. For CPS referred children, there is often a missed opportunity to interrupt family violence and prevent future occurrences. Fathers for Change (F4C) is a family level intervention designed to reduce IPV by improving emotion regulation and reflective functioning in fathers. To date, no study has examined whether F4C is associated with reduced recidivism in families referred to CPS. Using propensity score matching (PSM) to simulate an experimental design, the current study tests the hypothesis that families with fathers who completed F4C will have significantly lower rates of new CPS reports over a 12-month period compared to a PSM sample of families of fathers not referred...

Research paper thumbnail of Child and family traumatic stress intervention: Preliminary evidence of PTSD prevention

Research paper thumbnail of Early life adversity and males: Biology, behavior, and implications for fathers’ parenting

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Apr 1, 2022

Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers&#3... more Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers' parenting have been vastly understudied in the scientific literature. In particular, very little empirical research exists on the effects of early life adversity (ELA; e.g. childhood maltreatment, parental separation) on later parenting among fathers. In this review, we draw from both the human and non-human animal literature to examine the effects of ELA, specifically among males, in the following areas: 1) neurobiology and neurocognitive functioning, 2) hormones and hormone receptors, 3) gene-environment interactions and epigenetics, and 4) behavior and development. Based on these findings, we present a conceptual model to describe the biological and behavioral pathways through which exposure to ELA may influence parenting among males, with a goal of guiding future research and intervention development in this area. Empirical studies are needed to improve understanding of the relationship between ELA and father's parenting, inform the development of paternal and biparental interventions, and prevent intergenerational transmission of ELA.

Research paper thumbnail of Throw-Away Dads? Promoting Healthy Father-Child Attachment in Families Affected by Intimate Partner Violence

Zero to Three, May 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Research domain criteria and the study of trauma in children: Implications for assessment and treatment research

Clinical Psychology Review, Aug 1, 2018

By definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnosis of posttraumatic stress diso... more By definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires exposure to a traumatic event. Yet, the DSM diagnostic requirements for children and adolescents for PTSD may fail to capture traumatized youth with significant distress and functional impairment. Many important studies have utilized PTSD diagnosis as a mechanism for grouping individuals for comparative studies examining brain functioning, neuroendocrinology, genetics, attachment, and cognition; however, focusing only on those with the diagnosis of PTSD can miss the spectrum of symptoms and difficulties that impact children who experience trauma and subsequent impairment. Some studying child trauma have focused on examining brain and biology of those with exposure and potential impairment rather than only those with PTSD. This line of inquiry, complementary to PTSD specific studies, has aided our understanding of some of the changes in brain structure and neuroregulatory systems at different developmental periods following traumatic exposure. Application of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework proposed by NIMH to the study of child trauma exposure and subsequent impairment is an opportunity to examine domains of function and how they are impacted by trauma. Research to date has focused largely in the areas of negative valence, regulatory, and cognitive systems, however those studying complex or developmental trauma have identified an array of domains that are impacted which map onto many of the RDoC categories. This paper will review the relevant literature associated with child trauma as it relates to the RDoC domains, outline areas of needed research, and describe their implications for treatment and the advancement of the field.

Research paper thumbnail of The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention: Secondary prevention for youth at risk of developing PTSD

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Sep 24, 2010

Objective-This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-session, caregiver-child Interve... more Objective-This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-session, caregiver-child Intervention, the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), to prevent the development of Chronic PTSD provided within 30 days of exposure to a Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE). Method-One-hundred-seventy-six 7-to-17 year old youth were recruited through telephone screening based on report of one new distressing posttraumatic stress symptom after a PTE. Of those, one-hundred-six youth were randomly assigned to the Intervention (n=53) or a four-session supportive Comparison condition (N=53). Group differences in symptom severity were assessed using repeated measures with mixed effects models of intervention group, time, and the interaction of intervention and time. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess treatment condition and any subsequent traumas experienced as predictors for Full and Partial PTSD diagnosis at 3 month follow-up. An exploratory chi-square analysis was performed to examine the differences in PTSD symptom criteria B, C, and D at follow-up Results-At baseline, youth in both groups had similar demographics, past trauma exposures and symptom severity. At follow-up, the Intervention group demonstrated significantly fewer Full and Partial PTSD diagnoses than the Comparison group on a standardized diagnostic measure of PTSD. Also, there was a significant group by time interaction for TSCC Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety Indices as the CFTSI group had significantly lower posttraumatic and anxiety scores than the Comparison group. Conclusions-The results suggest that a caregiver-youth, brief preventative early intervention for youth exposed to a PTE is a promising approach to preventing Chronic PTSD.

Research paper thumbnail of A conceptual understanding of intimate partner violence behaviors in men: Implications for research and intervention

Aggression and Violent Behavior, Jul 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a trauma-informed self-care measure with child welfare workers

Children and Youth Services Review, Oct 1, 2018

The purpose of the current study was to revise and test the preliminary trauma-informed self-care... more The purpose of the current study was to revise and test the preliminary trauma-informed self-care (TISC) measure to clarify items, test additional items related to the trauma-informed and self-care literature, confirm the preliminary factors, and to further test the reliability and validity of the revised measure. The sample consisted to 177 child welfare workers who completed paper and pencil surveys. Measures included a revised TISC measure, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, psychological well-being, and organizational supports and resources. Results indicated a three factor 10-item TISC-R measure with the following subscales: Utilizing Organizational Resources, Organizational Practices, and Professional Self-Care. Overall reliability was good (.84) with reliability coefficients for subscales ranging from .68 to .88. As expected, the TISC-R measure was negatively associated with burnout and secondary traumatic stress, and positively associated with compassion satisfaction, psychological well-being, and organizational resources provided. The brief TISC-R measure may be a practical tool that child welfare case managers and supervisors could use to assess, monitor and improve trauma-informed self-care practices to help workers who often face high stress environments. Future research on the utility of the measure with child welfare workers and other helping professions who work with traumatized individuals is needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Hostility and substance use in relation to intimate partner violence and parenting among fathers

Aggressive Behavior, Jul 10, 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health and economic problem, which also i... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health and economic problem, which also increases the risks for child maltreatment. One attribute that may contribute to both IPV and poor parenting is hostility. Moreover, the link between hostility and these outcomes may be mediated by substance use, such that more hostile individuals are at greater risk for using drugs and alcohol, leading them to engage in more aggressive and rejecting behavior towards their partners and children. We tested this possibility in sample of 132 fathers. Additionally, we explored whether hostility and substance use had interactive effects on IPV and parenting by examining moderatedmediation models. The results show that substance use mediated the relationship between hostility and all IPV and parenting outcomes. Furthermore, this mediated relationship was moderated by substance use level for parenting outcomes, but not IPV. In the case of parenting, the mediated path from hostility to aggressive and rejecting parenting only occurred for those high in substance use. Limitations and implications for prevention and treatment of IPV and aggressive and rejecting parenting are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Individual Prevention and Intervention for Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence and Those Who Have Caused Harm

Research paper thumbnail of Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental health

Children and Youth Services Review, Jun 1, 2019

Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental healt... more Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental health, Children and Youth Services Review,

Research paper thumbnail of Posttraumatic Stress Disorders

Research paper thumbnail of The prefrontal cortex in a pandemic: Restoring functions with system-, family-, and individual-focused interventions

American Psychologist, Jul 1, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental... more The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental to the mental and behavioral health of children and families, particularly those from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. Chronic stress impairs a myriad of prefrontal cortical functions, important for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and has consequences on dyadic parent-child functioning. Informed by neuroscience and clinical evidence, sensitive parenting is a vital avenue of intervention that buffers against the toxic effects of COVID-19 on parent-child mental health. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we first discuss the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms behind exacerbated mental health risks in families. We then highlight the role of sensitive parenting as a buffer against stressrelated mental health problems, and conclude with recommendations for systemic-, family-, and individual-interventions to most effectively address stress-related mental health problems and their impact on children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Significance Statement This review examines the neurobiological mechanisms underlying exacerbated mental health risks in disadvantaged and marginalized families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential interventions. The chronic stress of COVID-19 impacts various prefrontal cortical functions that are critical for adaptive emotion regulation, mentalizing, and coping skills in children and their caregivers. These functions can be restored by systemic policies that address long-standing structural racism and mental health inequities, as well as family-and individual-level interventions that aim to reduce stress and promote sensitive caregiving.

Research paper thumbnail of Agreement Between Mother and Father Reports of IPV in a Sample of Child Protection Referred Coparents

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Accurate assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV) using standardized measures can be a chall... more Accurate assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV) using standardized measures can be a challenge as there is often discrepancy between partner reports, with previous research indicating very poor concordance between partners using the Conflict Tactics Scale. This study examines agreement between coparent reports of IPV using the Abusive Behavior Inventory (ABI) from 282 coparent dyads referred for Fathers for Change, an IPV intervention by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Differences in partner concordance using intraclass correlations were examined based on type of violence, marital status/cohabitation, race/ethnicity and substance misuse problems. Intraclass correlations were also calculated for eight power and control items unique to the ABI. Overall agreement between coparents was poor. However, there was greater concordance about mothers’ who have used IPV toward fathers than fathers’ use of IPV toward mothers. There was lower agreement between reports of phy...

Research paper thumbnail of Self‐reported reflective functioning and father–child interactions in a sample of fathers who have used intimate partner violence

Infant Mental Health Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Een cultuurgerichte prenatale co-ouderinterventie: resultaten van een gerandomiseerde gecontroleerde trial met ongehuwde Afrikaans-Amerikaanse ouders

Gezinstherapie Wereldwijd

Research paper thumbnail of 1.124 Harnessing Electronic Health Record Data to Examine the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Medical Morbidity, and Healthcare Utilization

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Research paper thumbnail of A culturally grounded prenatal coparenting intervention: Results of a randomized controlled trial with unmarried Black parents

Journal of Family Psychology

This study examines the efficacy of a prenatal intervention designed to promote healthy coparenti... more This study examines the efficacy of a prenatal intervention designed to promote healthy coparenting relationships in families where low-income, unmarried mothers and fathers were expecting a first baby together. One hundred thirty-eight Black and mixed-race mother-father dyads participated. Coparent dyads were randomly assigned to either a treatment as usual (TAU) group, receiving referrals and navigation support to existing community services (control), or to TAU plus invitation to a series of six dyadic Focused Coparenting Consultation (FCC) sessions led by a male-female mentor team (intervention). Seventy-one percent of those prenatally assessed were later reassessed at 3 months postpartum. Both mothers and fathers contributed reports of coparenting, father engagement, physical and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV), and depressive symptoms. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated: (a) some evidence that mothers in the intervention group reported more positive coparenting communication at 3 months postpartum than did control group mothers; (b) mothers in the intervention group reported significantly more time spent by fathers with the child than did control group mothers; (c) parents in the intervention group had significant reductions in psychological IPV compared to parents in the control group; and (d) both mothers and fathers showed reductions in self-reported depression over time, with no differential impact of group. Findings suggest that the FCC intervention may produce modest but important benefits for unmarried, low-income Black coparents in the transition to parenthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the Special Issue on the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment

Child Maltreatment, Aug 1, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers for Change: A New Approach to Working with Families Impacted by Violence

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing Family Violence Through Child Welfare Intervention: A Propensity Score-Matched Study of Fathers for Change

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent, costly, and detrimental to children’s health and de... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent, costly, and detrimental to children’s health and development. It often co-occurs with child abuse and neglect. Most children referred to child protective services (CPS) have witnessed IPV and are at increased risk for subsequent exposure, as well as repeat maltreatment. For CPS referred children, there is often a missed opportunity to interrupt family violence and prevent future occurrences. Fathers for Change (F4C) is a family level intervention designed to reduce IPV by improving emotion regulation and reflective functioning in fathers. To date, no study has examined whether F4C is associated with reduced recidivism in families referred to CPS. Using propensity score matching (PSM) to simulate an experimental design, the current study tests the hypothesis that families with fathers who completed F4C will have significantly lower rates of new CPS reports over a 12-month period compared to a PSM sample of families of fathers not referred...

Research paper thumbnail of Child and family traumatic stress intervention: Preliminary evidence of PTSD prevention

Research paper thumbnail of Early life adversity and males: Biology, behavior, and implications for fathers’ parenting

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Apr 1, 2022

Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers&#3... more Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers' parenting have been vastly understudied in the scientific literature. In particular, very little empirical research exists on the effects of early life adversity (ELA; e.g. childhood maltreatment, parental separation) on later parenting among fathers. In this review, we draw from both the human and non-human animal literature to examine the effects of ELA, specifically among males, in the following areas: 1) neurobiology and neurocognitive functioning, 2) hormones and hormone receptors, 3) gene-environment interactions and epigenetics, and 4) behavior and development. Based on these findings, we present a conceptual model to describe the biological and behavioral pathways through which exposure to ELA may influence parenting among males, with a goal of guiding future research and intervention development in this area. Empirical studies are needed to improve understanding of the relationship between ELA and father's parenting, inform the development of paternal and biparental interventions, and prevent intergenerational transmission of ELA.

Research paper thumbnail of Throw-Away Dads? Promoting Healthy Father-Child Attachment in Families Affected by Intimate Partner Violence

Zero to Three, May 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Research domain criteria and the study of trauma in children: Implications for assessment and treatment research

Clinical Psychology Review, Aug 1, 2018

By definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnosis of posttraumatic stress diso... more By definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires exposure to a traumatic event. Yet, the DSM diagnostic requirements for children and adolescents for PTSD may fail to capture traumatized youth with significant distress and functional impairment. Many important studies have utilized PTSD diagnosis as a mechanism for grouping individuals for comparative studies examining brain functioning, neuroendocrinology, genetics, attachment, and cognition; however, focusing only on those with the diagnosis of PTSD can miss the spectrum of symptoms and difficulties that impact children who experience trauma and subsequent impairment. Some studying child trauma have focused on examining brain and biology of those with exposure and potential impairment rather than only those with PTSD. This line of inquiry, complementary to PTSD specific studies, has aided our understanding of some of the changes in brain structure and neuroregulatory systems at different developmental periods following traumatic exposure. Application of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework proposed by NIMH to the study of child trauma exposure and subsequent impairment is an opportunity to examine domains of function and how they are impacted by trauma. Research to date has focused largely in the areas of negative valence, regulatory, and cognitive systems, however those studying complex or developmental trauma have identified an array of domains that are impacted which map onto many of the RDoC categories. This paper will review the relevant literature associated with child trauma as it relates to the RDoC domains, outline areas of needed research, and describe their implications for treatment and the advancement of the field.

Research paper thumbnail of The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention: Secondary prevention for youth at risk of developing PTSD

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Sep 24, 2010

Objective-This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-session, caregiver-child Interve... more Objective-This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-session, caregiver-child Intervention, the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), to prevent the development of Chronic PTSD provided within 30 days of exposure to a Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE). Method-One-hundred-seventy-six 7-to-17 year old youth were recruited through telephone screening based on report of one new distressing posttraumatic stress symptom after a PTE. Of those, one-hundred-six youth were randomly assigned to the Intervention (n=53) or a four-session supportive Comparison condition (N=53). Group differences in symptom severity were assessed using repeated measures with mixed effects models of intervention group, time, and the interaction of intervention and time. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess treatment condition and any subsequent traumas experienced as predictors for Full and Partial PTSD diagnosis at 3 month follow-up. An exploratory chi-square analysis was performed to examine the differences in PTSD symptom criteria B, C, and D at follow-up Results-At baseline, youth in both groups had similar demographics, past trauma exposures and symptom severity. At follow-up, the Intervention group demonstrated significantly fewer Full and Partial PTSD diagnoses than the Comparison group on a standardized diagnostic measure of PTSD. Also, there was a significant group by time interaction for TSCC Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety Indices as the CFTSI group had significantly lower posttraumatic and anxiety scores than the Comparison group. Conclusions-The results suggest that a caregiver-youth, brief preventative early intervention for youth exposed to a PTE is a promising approach to preventing Chronic PTSD.

Research paper thumbnail of A conceptual understanding of intimate partner violence behaviors in men: Implications for research and intervention

Aggression and Violent Behavior, Jul 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a trauma-informed self-care measure with child welfare workers

Children and Youth Services Review, Oct 1, 2018

The purpose of the current study was to revise and test the preliminary trauma-informed self-care... more The purpose of the current study was to revise and test the preliminary trauma-informed self-care (TISC) measure to clarify items, test additional items related to the trauma-informed and self-care literature, confirm the preliminary factors, and to further test the reliability and validity of the revised measure. The sample consisted to 177 child welfare workers who completed paper and pencil surveys. Measures included a revised TISC measure, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, psychological well-being, and organizational supports and resources. Results indicated a three factor 10-item TISC-R measure with the following subscales: Utilizing Organizational Resources, Organizational Practices, and Professional Self-Care. Overall reliability was good (.84) with reliability coefficients for subscales ranging from .68 to .88. As expected, the TISC-R measure was negatively associated with burnout and secondary traumatic stress, and positively associated with compassion satisfaction, psychological well-being, and organizational resources provided. The brief TISC-R measure may be a practical tool that child welfare case managers and supervisors could use to assess, monitor and improve trauma-informed self-care practices to help workers who often face high stress environments. Future research on the utility of the measure with child welfare workers and other helping professions who work with traumatized individuals is needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Hostility and substance use in relation to intimate partner violence and parenting among fathers

Aggressive Behavior, Jul 10, 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health and economic problem, which also i... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health and economic problem, which also increases the risks for child maltreatment. One attribute that may contribute to both IPV and poor parenting is hostility. Moreover, the link between hostility and these outcomes may be mediated by substance use, such that more hostile individuals are at greater risk for using drugs and alcohol, leading them to engage in more aggressive and rejecting behavior towards their partners and children. We tested this possibility in sample of 132 fathers. Additionally, we explored whether hostility and substance use had interactive effects on IPV and parenting by examining moderatedmediation models. The results show that substance use mediated the relationship between hostility and all IPV and parenting outcomes. Furthermore, this mediated relationship was moderated by substance use level for parenting outcomes, but not IPV. In the case of parenting, the mediated path from hostility to aggressive and rejecting parenting only occurred for those high in substance use. Limitations and implications for prevention and treatment of IPV and aggressive and rejecting parenting are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Individual Prevention and Intervention for Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence and Those Who Have Caused Harm

Research paper thumbnail of Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental health

Children and Youth Services Review, Jun 1, 2019

Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental healt... more Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental health, Children and Youth Services Review,

Research paper thumbnail of Posttraumatic Stress Disorders

Research paper thumbnail of The prefrontal cortex in a pandemic: Restoring functions with system-, family-, and individual-focused interventions

American Psychologist, Jul 1, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental... more The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental to the mental and behavioral health of children and families, particularly those from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. Chronic stress impairs a myriad of prefrontal cortical functions, important for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and has consequences on dyadic parent-child functioning. Informed by neuroscience and clinical evidence, sensitive parenting is a vital avenue of intervention that buffers against the toxic effects of COVID-19 on parent-child mental health. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we first discuss the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms behind exacerbated mental health risks in families. We then highlight the role of sensitive parenting as a buffer against stressrelated mental health problems, and conclude with recommendations for systemic-, family-, and individual-interventions to most effectively address stress-related mental health problems and their impact on children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Significance Statement This review examines the neurobiological mechanisms underlying exacerbated mental health risks in disadvantaged and marginalized families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential interventions. The chronic stress of COVID-19 impacts various prefrontal cortical functions that are critical for adaptive emotion regulation, mentalizing, and coping skills in children and their caregivers. These functions can be restored by systemic policies that address long-standing structural racism and mental health inequities, as well as family-and individual-level interventions that aim to reduce stress and promote sensitive caregiving.

Research paper thumbnail of Agreement Between Mother and Father Reports of IPV in a Sample of Child Protection Referred Coparents

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Accurate assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV) using standardized measures can be a chall... more Accurate assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV) using standardized measures can be a challenge as there is often discrepancy between partner reports, with previous research indicating very poor concordance between partners using the Conflict Tactics Scale. This study examines agreement between coparent reports of IPV using the Abusive Behavior Inventory (ABI) from 282 coparent dyads referred for Fathers for Change, an IPV intervention by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Differences in partner concordance using intraclass correlations were examined based on type of violence, marital status/cohabitation, race/ethnicity and substance misuse problems. Intraclass correlations were also calculated for eight power and control items unique to the ABI. Overall agreement between coparents was poor. However, there was greater concordance about mothers’ who have used IPV toward fathers than fathers’ use of IPV toward mothers. There was lower agreement between reports of phy...

Research paper thumbnail of Self‐reported reflective functioning and father–child interactions in a sample of fathers who have used intimate partner violence

Infant Mental Health Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Een cultuurgerichte prenatale co-ouderinterventie: resultaten van een gerandomiseerde gecontroleerde trial met ongehuwde Afrikaans-Amerikaanse ouders

Gezinstherapie Wereldwijd

Research paper thumbnail of 1.124 Harnessing Electronic Health Record Data to Examine the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Medical Morbidity, and Healthcare Utilization

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Research paper thumbnail of A culturally grounded prenatal coparenting intervention: Results of a randomized controlled trial with unmarried Black parents

Journal of Family Psychology

This study examines the efficacy of a prenatal intervention designed to promote healthy coparenti... more This study examines the efficacy of a prenatal intervention designed to promote healthy coparenting relationships in families where low-income, unmarried mothers and fathers were expecting a first baby together. One hundred thirty-eight Black and mixed-race mother-father dyads participated. Coparent dyads were randomly assigned to either a treatment as usual (TAU) group, receiving referrals and navigation support to existing community services (control), or to TAU plus invitation to a series of six dyadic Focused Coparenting Consultation (FCC) sessions led by a male-female mentor team (intervention). Seventy-one percent of those prenatally assessed were later reassessed at 3 months postpartum. Both mothers and fathers contributed reports of coparenting, father engagement, physical and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV), and depressive symptoms. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated: (a) some evidence that mothers in the intervention group reported more positive coparenting communication at 3 months postpartum than did control group mothers; (b) mothers in the intervention group reported significantly more time spent by fathers with the child than did control group mothers; (c) parents in the intervention group had significant reductions in psychological IPV compared to parents in the control group; and (d) both mothers and fathers showed reductions in self-reported depression over time, with no differential impact of group. Findings suggest that the FCC intervention may produce modest but important benefits for unmarried, low-income Black coparents in the transition to parenthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).