Initial evaluation of a cultural approach to implementation of evidence‐based parenting interventions in American Indian communities

The current investigation puts forth the authors' conceptualization of a cultural approach to implementing evidence‐based practices with American Indian (AI) families. Their approach involves two phases, the motivational phase, which sets an historical context for current difficulties; and the intervention phase, which links evidence‐based skills with cultural traditions, beliefs, and values. Herein, they present preliminary evidence for the efficacy of the intervention phase, overlaid onto the Incredible Years parenting program (Webster‐Stratton, 1992). Forty‐nine families with American Indian children, ages 3–11 (26 boys), participated in the study; all families participated in the motivational phase and were subsequently randomized to the culturally linked intervention or a control condition. Significant pre‐ and postimprovements in parenting and child behavior were observed in the intervention group. Moreover, a majority of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. Results are discussed in relation to approaches to respectful implementation of mainstream, evidence‐based interventions in Indian Country.