Intervention processes as predictors of outcomes in a preventive home-visitation program

Abstract

Although much preventive intervention research has been focused on outcome evaluation, an equally important topic is the process by which an intervention brings about these outcomes. In this investigation, intervention process is described and related to caregiving outcomes in a program of nurse home visitation for first-time mothers and their infants (N × 228) living in Memphis, Tennessee. Results show that, although previous investigation has demonstrated the effectiveness of the program, mothers received only approximately half the number of home visits as expected by protocol. Different dimensions of intervention process, although interrelated, predict outcomes uniquely. The hypothesis that empathy perceived by the mother from the nurse would predict the empathic attitudes the mother has towards her own child was supported only for mothers with high levels of psychological resources. Home caregiving environment was predicted by in-session parenting focus, particularly for mothers with low levels of psychological resources. This discussion suggests reasons why the amount of visitation was lower than expected and points to the importance of including multiple dimensions of intervention process. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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