Adaptation of a couples intervention to promote coparenting and reduce hazardous drinking during transition to parenthood.

Abstract

Introduction: Hazardous drinking by fathers poses a significant risk for negative family interactions and child outcomes. The transition to parenthood may be a time when expectant parents are potentially motivated for health behavior change, suggesting that implementing preventive interventions during this period may be particularly effective. This article provides an overview of the rationale for an innovative prevention strategy incorporating alcohol-use intervention with a family-focused program.

Method: We describe the process of integration and adaptation of two evidence-based interventions beginning in pregnancy: (a) Family Foundations, a universal transition-to-parenthood intervention for couples to enhance coparenting and couple dyadic functioning, and (b) brief intervention to address alcohol use delivered using a couples-focused motivational interviewing style.

Results: Lessons learned from pilot testing (conducted October 2020-March 2021) included the importance of softened framing of the discussions and language used around alcohol use given that parents were not specifically seeking treatment for alcohol use and the program was described as a parenting program that included discussion of health behaviors, including drinking. In addition, we found that evoking discussion and communication within dyads and supporting autonomy in decision making regarding alcohol use also facilitated engagement.

Conclusion: Pilot testing demonstrated the acceptability and feasibility of an adapted, integrated intervention program designed to strengthen coparenting skills and dyadic functioning and promote lower risk levels of alcohol use among couples during the transition to parenthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).