Assistant Professor Mickey Sperlich, PhD student Erin Bascug, Clinical Professor Susan Green and colleagues publish article, "Trauma-informed parenting education support groups for mothers in substance abuse recovery"
Published July 13, 2021
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Mickey Sperlich, PhD student Erin Bascug, Clinical Professor Susan Green, ITTIC project manager Samantha Koury, PhD alum Travis Hales, and Emeritus Research Professor Thomas Nochajski on the publication of their article, "Trauma-informed parenting education support groups for mothers in substance abuse recovery" in the journal Research on Social Work Practice.
Sperlich, M., Bascug, E. W., Green, S. A., Koury, S., Hales, T., & Nochajski, T. H. (2021). Trauma-informed parenting education support groups for mothers in substance abuse recovery. Research on Social Work Practice.
Abstract
Purpose:
A trauma-informed educational support group pilot addressed traumatic stress, substance use disorders (SUDs), and child-rearing for clients who were pregnant and/or parenting young children.
Methods:
Seeking Safety was adapted with parenting content and delivered at two intensive residential rehabilitation facilities. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the pilot. Forty-eight participants completed starting assessments (intention-to-treat) and 31 graduates completed post group surveys (per protocol). Focus group sessions were completed with 19 graduates.
Results:
Paired samples t tests of intention-to-treat data showed a statistically significant decrease in self-reported symptoms of stress and substance cravings and increases in positive behaviors and parenting self-efficacy. There were no statistically significant differences on lifestyle behaviors, parenting skill, and parenting confidence. Most participants found the intervention acceptable and felt supported to improve their parenting.
Discussion:
Trauma-informed parenting education support in inpatient rehabilitation settings may offer an important complement to existing SUD and parenting programming.