Abstract
This paper describes the evaluation of a group intervention programme for families who are experiencing parenting difficulties. The programme was developed by Puckering et al (1994) and is known as Mellow Parenting. Mellow Parenting draws from Attachment Theory in making links between parents’ own experiences of being parented and their current ability to parent their children. A fourteen week structured group programme designed to help mothers make those links as well as find positive ways to manage their children was found by previous studies to have positive outcomes (Puckering et al 1994). The present study compares one group of mothers participating in the programme with a control waiting group of mothers with similar difficulties. The hypotheses were that the mothers in the intervention group would show improvements in their interactions with their child, would report less behavioural difficulties following attendance in the group, would show improvements in measures of mental health and would find the group enjoyable and supportive. Mothers in the waiting group were hypothesised to show no change on the same measures. Video recordings of mother-child interactions were taken for both groups, standardised measures of child behaviour reports, measures of anxiety and depression as well as measures of parental bonding were used before and after intervention for both groups and the Adult Attachment Interview was used as a clinical tool for the women who attended the group programme. Finally anonymous feedback was gathered from a questionnaire to find out how the participants had felt about the group. Results demonstrated positive changes for the group participants on measures of actual interaction, reported child behaviour problems, mothers’ mental health and no significant changes in the control group. Through the experience of participating in the group, mothers were able to make links between their own childhood difficulties and their current relationship difficulties with their child. The feedback from the group participants indicated that they enjoyed the group programme and changed their behaviour and attitude to their child. Limitations of the current study are discussed in relation to sample size and measures used. For families experiencing parenting difficulties. Mellow Parenting offers a valid form of intervention which addresses long standing relationship difficulties in a supportive and non-threatening environment. Families who do not easily engage with professionals in clinical settings are able to learn positive parenting skills and make changes in their relationship with their child as well as in their own lives.