Parenting STAIR: Adapting a Trauma-Focused Parenting Intervention for Military-Connected Mothers and Their Children

The present study is a single-arm pre-post study conducted in a community mental health setting evaluating Parenting STAIR Modular (PSTAIR-M). This study will enroll N=120 military-connected mothers (MCM) and one index child (aged 2-10) at three Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) clinics (Family Endeavors Clinics in El Paso, Killeen, and San Antonio, TX). Participants will be trauma-exposed MCM who screen positive for PSTD and/or depression and/or demonstrate low parenting self-efficacy, and one identified child (ages 2-10). All enrolled MCM will receive PSTAIR-M, with outcomes assessed at pre- and post-treatment to evaluate change over time. PSTAIR-M will be delivered by CVN clinicians. Parenting STAIR (PSTAIR) combines two existing evidence-based treatments (EBT), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) and Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE). PSTAIR-M involves a compact version of PSTAIR in Module 1 and tailored options for Module 2, focusing on skills development (Module 2a), narrative exposure (Module 2b), or parental functioning (Module 2c), implemented based on response to Module 1. Assessments will occur at three timepoints: pre-treatment (baseline), mid-treatment (after session 11, approximately 11 weeks after baseline), and post-treatment (approximately 17 weeks after baseline). Assessments will include self-report instruments and dyadic parenting observations.