Short- and Mid-Term Effects of a Parenting Program on Maternal Well-Being: Evidence for More and Less Advantaged Mothers

Abstract

This paper evaluates how a light-touch parenting program for parents of children below school entry age affects maternal well-being. We first analyze data from a randomized controlled trial focusing on more advantaged parents. Second, we use a sample of mothers from deprived neighborhoods, for which we generate a control group using additional data. Overall, results show a relatively large positive effect of the intervention on maternal well-being, with the largest effects appearing three years after treatment for both groups, while less advantaged families also experience a well-being increase directly after treatment. Mechanisms are further explored.