Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of preventative early parenting interventions: A theory-based evaluation

Early parenting programmes which promote nurturing care for children aged 0-3 years are popular in community-based primary health care settings. However, little research has explored the causal and theoretical assumptions underpinning these programmes. This paper outlines a programme theory evaluation which was conducted to explore the change principles inherent in a complex early parenting intervention, the parent and infant programme, which aims to support parents and infants aged 0-2 years. A documentary analysis and qualitative interviews (n = 19) with key stakeholders were undertaken to describe programme components, outline intervention objectives and identify the mechanisms assumed to be important to programme success. The interpretation of the findings was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, within which we explore and describe the theoretical perspectives that underpin the programme and guide its operationalisation and delivery. The importance of attending to the causal mechanisms underlying early parenting interventions is outlined.