The Initial Outcomes of SafeCare® on the Physiological and Behavioral Outcomes of Black Mothers Who Have Experienced Significant Trauma

Abstract

Trauma exposure, PTSD, and racial trauma among Black parents can negatively impact parenting stress and parent-child relationships. This pilot study explores the feasibility of the SafeCare Parent-Child Interaction module among Black mothers with high levels of trauma exposure, and initial intervention outcomes. Six mother-child dyads completed the 6-week SafeCare Parent-Child Interaction module, pre- and post- assessments (i.e., parenting skills, PTSD, and skin conductance), and semi-structured interviews. Findings suggest that SafeCare was feasible among this population, evidenced by a 100% retention rate and qualitative interviews. Most mothers demonstrated improved parenting skills, decreased PTSD symptoms, and reductions in their skin conductance response.