The award, led by UMH researchers Eva María Navarrete Muñoz and Miriam Hurtado Pomares, recognizes the scientific quality and social relevance of research focusing on the needs of families with children receiving Early Childhood Intervention services. The award ceremony took place during the XVI National and II International Congress of Early Childhood Intervention, held in Gandía.
The EQo-Mental project, funded by the Generalitat Valenciana and the UMH, analyzed the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as occupational balance and participation in meaningful activities, of 723 mothers and fathers from 29 Child Development and Early Intervention Centers (CDIAT) in the province of Alicante. The results showed differences between mothers and fathers, with mothers reporting less participation in activities and lower occupational balance, along with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
The researchers highlight the collaboration of the CDIATs, which was essential for accessing families and developing the project. This joint work underscores the importance of links between university research and professional practice to improve Early Childhood Intervention services.
An added value of the project is its participatory approach, which incorporated families' experiences to identify barriers and propose improvements. A discussion group was held with families, professionals, and public representatives to contrast results and agree on actions.
To transfer research findings to practice and public policy, the main findings and action proposals will be compiled in a document for the Generalitat Valenciana, aiming to enhance Early Childhood Intervention services.
As part of the III International Conference of the InTeO Group, a dissemination and debate panel dedicated to the EQo-Mental project was held, with the participation of mothers, center directors, professionals, and researchers. Key study results were shared, fostering reflection on family challenges, occupational well-being, and parental mental health.
The award recognizes EQo-Mental's contribution to scientific knowledge generation and the promotion of a family-centered Early Childhood Intervention model, considering family occupation as fundamental for comprehensive care.
