Does sociodemographic disadvantage moderate the impact of motherwise? Findings from a randomized controlled trial.

Evidence supports the positive impact of MotherWise, an individual-oriented relationship education program delivered to perinatal women and birthing people from underresourced communities, on relationship skills, attitudes, and individual and relationship functioning. This study examined whether individuals' sociodemographic disadvantage was associated with (a) preprogram levels and (b) differential program effects. Participants (Mage = 28 years) were randomly assigned to MotherWise (n = 512) or a control group (n = 437). Most participants identified as Hispanic (66%), had accessed government benefits recently (73%), and were partnered (85%). Sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, education, public assistance use, employment status, having children from previous relationships, and history of incarceration) were examined individually and as a cumulative index. Relationship skills (i.e., romantic relationship and conflict management skills), attitudes (i.e., disapproval of relationship violence), negative communication, and depressive symptoms were assessed at enrollment and 1 year and 2.5 years postenrollment. Multilevel models were conducted. MotherWise demonstrated positive long-term effects on relationship skills and attitudes, with no effects on negative communication or depression at these time points. Overall, there was no evidence of differential program effects across individual or cumulative sociodemographic risks. However, greater cumulative risk and some risks measured individually-especially incarceration history-were associated with lower baseline scores for skills and attitudes and higher baseline scores for negative communication and depression, suggesting greater needs among these individuals. Although MotherWise led to better outcomes for participants with varying risk factors, additional modifications or adaptations may be necessary to achieve equitable outcomes, ensuring all participants reach similar postprogram levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).