Mothering from the Inside Out: Results of a community‐based randomized efficacy trial testing a mentalization‐based parenting intervention for mothers with addictions

Abstract

AbstractMothering from the Inside Out (MIO) is a mentalization‐based parenting intervention developed to address challenges common among mothers experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) and previously deemed effective when delivered by research clinicians. This randomized clinical trial was designed to test the efficacy of MIO when delivered by community‐based addiction counselors in Connecticut, USA. Ninety‐four mothers [M(SD)age = 31.01(4.01) years; 75.53% White] caring for a child 11–60 months of age were randomly assigned to participate in 12 sessions of either MIO or psychoeducation. Caregiving, psychiatric, and substance use outcomes were assessed repeatedly from baseline through 12‐week follow‐up. Mothers who participated in MIO showed decreased certainty about their child's mental states, and decreased depression; their children demonstrated increased clarity of cues. Participation in MIO was not associated with the same degree of improvement that was observed in prior trials where MIO was delivered by research clinicians. However, when delivered by community‐based clinicians, MIO may be protective against a deterioration in caregiving over time often seen in mothers with addictions. The drop in efficacy of MIO in this trial raises questions about intervention‐intervenor fit. Research should examine factors influencing MIO effectiveness to close the science‐to‐service gap common in the dissemination of empirically validated interventions.