An online program developed by researchers at Georgia State University and the Oregon Research Institute that has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression among mothers of young children and increase the use of positive parenting practices is being disseminated in Early Head Start programs throughout the country.
The coach-supported online program and mobile app, known as Mom-Net, was designed with input from Head Start mothers and staff. It incorporates self-paced video-based sessions and online support calls with Head Start staff.
In randomized controlled trials, mothers who participated in Mom-Net showed a six-fold decrease in depressive symptoms compared to mothers receiving services as usual. Mom-Net also has been shown to increase engagement in enjoyable parent-child activities and to decrease child maltreatment risks. With funding from a five-year, $3.1 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, the researchers are partnering with Head Start programs across the country to ensure that mothers with depression receive the support they need to improve their mood.
“We know that many new moms with symptoms of depression can’t access the help they need because of barriers like cost, transportation and inflexible work schedules,” said co-principal investigator Kathleen Baggett, associate professor in the GSU School of Public Health and Director of the university’s Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development. “Mom-Net was designed to overcome these barriers, and we’re excited to learn about the ways in which Head Start programs can implement Mom-Net feasibly and sustainably.”
Edward Feil, principal investigator and senior scientist at the Oregon Research Institute, noted that the national rollout of Mom-Net follows a successful implementation in the Pacific Northwest, where it was used by more than 300 mothers over 15 years of research and development.
“The impetus for Mom-Net came from Head Start parents at a local…
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