Families are increasingly involved in the implementation of behavior support interventions to promote positive behaviors of young children in everyday family settings. Contextual fit, described as congruence between the behavior support intervention and the values, skills, resources, and routines of those who will implement the intervention, has been associated with the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention. We analyzed studies published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions from 1999 to 2009 in which families of young children ages 3 through 8 years implemented behavior support interventions. As part of this review, we examined information reported about contextual fit. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were coded using an investigator-developed protocol. Findings revealed that researchers generally reported information about collaborative partnerships with families. Information about family ecology, cultural and linguistic background, family perspectives about the intervention, and family quality of life were not reported in the majority of studies reviewed. Recommendations related to future reporting practices and research focused on contextual fit are discussed.

No abstract

This article presents a study of Mexican immigrant families' beliefs and goals about caregiving and development for their infants with prematurity, low birth weight, and/or intensive health care needs, as well as their experiences with neonatal intensive care services. Interviews with six families were conducted primarily in Spanish, transcribed, and analyzed in a structured procedure following one major tradition of qualitative research. The study revealed that the Mexican immigrant families had distinct caregiving beliefs for their infants, and certain hospital practices were different from their beliefs and customs. Communication and cultural barriers were identified stressors for families in the neonatal intensive care unit. Extended family members were described as a valuable source of support and information about health and infant caregiving practices. Implications for neonatal intensive care service delivery and suggestions for further research are discussed.