Examining family context, caregiver motivation, and conflict in the Family Check-Up model

What is it about?

This study evaluated core assumptions of the Family Check-Up (FCU) model. The FCU was equally effective for families of different SES or ethnicity, and parent depression. However, some of these factors predicted parent's motivation to make changes in their family, which played a central role in the degree to which the FCU helped their family. In turn, this study found that the FCU reduces risk for escalations in family conflict over time, and thereby reduced risk for problem behavior.

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Why is it important?

This study tests theoretical underpinnings of the Family Check-Up model, specifically it's focus on enhancing caregiver motivation to change, and it's emphasis on reducing family conflict in families during the middle school years. Indeed, both of these factors were critical for a) evoking meaningful change in families and b) reducing risk for adolescent problem behaviors 4 years later.