An experimental evaluation of theory-based mother and mother-child programs for children of divorce

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 theory-based preventive intervention s for divorced families: a program for mothers and a dual component mother- child program. The mother program targeted mother-child relationship qualit y, discipline, interparental conflict, and the father-child relationship. T he child program targeted active coping, avoidant coping, appraisals of div orce stressors, and mother-child relationship quality. Families with a 9- t o 12-year-old child (N = 240) were randomly assigned to the mother, dual-co mponent, or self-study program. Postintervention comparisons showed signifi cant positive program effects of the mother program versus self-study condi tion on relationship quality, discipline, attitude toward father-child cont act, and adjustment problems. For several outcomes, more positive effects o ccurred in families with poorer initial functioning. Program effects on ext ernalizing problems were maintained at 6-month follow-up. A few additive ef fects of the dual-component program occurred for the putative mediators; no ne occurred for adjustment problems.