Indirect Effects of Individual-Oriented Relationship Education on Children's Social-Emotional Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial of MotherWise.

Abstract

Despite growing evidence supporting the positive effects of individual-oriented relationship education on romantic relationship outcomes, few studies have explored impacts on child outcomes. This study examined indirect effects of MotherWise, a community-based perinatal program using the Within My Reach curriculum, on child social-emotional well-being. Perinatal individuals from marginalized groups were randomly assigned during pregnancy or within three months postpartum to the MotherWise program (n = 512) or the no-treatment control group (n = 437). Three mechanisms were assessed at 12-months post-enrollment: general conflict management skills, romantic relationship skills, and disapproval of relationship violence. Child problem behaviors and social-emotional competency were measured at 30-months post-enrollment. Path models were tested using Mplus to examine each mechanism individually and then all together in a combined model. Results are consistent with positive indirect effects of MotherWise on child outcomes. Compared to the control group, MotherWise participants reported better conflict management skills, romantic relationship skills, and greater disapproval of relationship violence at 12-months post-enrollment. These enhanced skills and knowledge were, in turn, associated with fewer problem behaviors and greater social-emotional competency for children at 30-months post-enrollment. The combined model supported that disapproval of relationship violence uniquely contributed to MotherWise's indirect effects on both child outcomes, while romantic relationship skills uniquely contributed to children's social-emotional competency. Results showed indirect benefits of individual-oriented relationship education for children and suggest that clinicians and community-based programs serving families can support child well-being by providing relationship education to individual parents.