Effectiveness of the Nurtured Heart Approach Training Program for Resource Parents

Overview: The Nurtured Heart Approach is a widely used intervention for challenging youth that is still emerging as an evidence-based practice. An evaluation of a state-wide initiative to train resource parents in NHA suggests that the program is effective at conveying NHA concepts in a manner that encourages their adoption.Proposal text: Intro/Background

The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is an emerging evidence-based training program to help caregivers manage difficult behaviors in children by limiting attention to negative behaviors, energetically reinforcing positive behaviors, and setting clear limits. Despite its widespread use, there is limited literature on NHA’s effectiveness, especially for diverse populations, such as resource families. Initial evidence indicates caregiver use of the NHA principles decreases problem behaviors in children and increases caregiver confidence, attention to positive behaviors, and perceptions of child strengths.

A recent state-wide initiative to train all resource parents in NHA was launched as part of a larger effort to build a more trauma-informed, healing-centered, and youth and family-driven children’s system of care. The NHA approach aligns with trauma-informed care through its emphasis on positive reinforcement and call to create caring environments for children. The present study used self-reported survey data to evaluate the effectiveness of NHA training on adherence to NHA principles, parenting competency, and stress.

Methods

Self-report survey data was collected in a 3 wave pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up design to gauge knowledge gain and impact on competence and stress. Resource parents who completed NHA training were recruited to complete an online survey compiled of one new scale, the Nurtured Heart Approach Questionnaire, and two existing, validated scales, the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) and the Parental Stress Scale (PSS).

Results

Preliminary data suggest that after receiving NHA training, participants increased their alignment and beliefs about the NHA core components. A paired samples t-test of pre and posttest scores on the Nurtured Heart Approach Questionnaire revealed a mean increase of 1.92 (t=-3.419, p .05; t = .834, p > .05, respectively). Data from the 3-month follow up survey will be presented to determine whether parental stress and competence improved over time. We expect to see an impact on competence and stress after caregivers have a chance to implement NHA with the children in their home.

Conclusion

The Nurtured Heart Approach is a widely used intervention for intense youth that is still emerging as an evidence-based practice. Results here suggest that the Nurtured Heart Approach training program is effective at conveying NHA concepts in a manner that encourages their adoption. This study will contribute to the growing body of research on NHA’s effectiveness with diverse groups, specifically resource parents. Finally, this formative research will advance a base of literature on trauma-informed interventions for systems that serve youth and families.