Addressing Maternal Gatekeeping in Early

InterventionJane Puhlman, University of Maine

Daniel J. Puhlman, University of Maine

We have no relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships in the products or services described, reviewed, evaluated or compared in this presentation.

Learner Outcomes● Participants will be able to identify the importance of involving

fathers in EI intervention services.

● Participants will be able to identify and describe the various types

of maternal gatekeeping behaviors.

● Participants will be able to identify at least 3 strategies for working

with coparenting dyads where maternal gatekeeping is

problematic.

Early Intervention Best Practices

● Family Empowerment● Natural Environment● Routines-based

intervention● Family Coaching● Strength-based approach

Dads & Early InterventionPositive Developmental Outcomes

Participation in Interventions

Provider Challenges

Helps Moms

Differential needs of fathers

Defining Maternal GatekeepingCoparenting

Maternal Gatekeeping

History of MGK

Definition “A set of complex behavioral interactions between parents, where mothers influence father involvement through their use of controlling, facilitative, and restrictive behaviors directed at father’s childrearing and interaction with children on a regular and consistent basis.” (Puhlman & Pasley, 2013, p. 177)

Dimensions of Maternal Gatekeeping

C

E

D

Polarized GatekeepersLet’s start with the “more clear” families

Traditional GateblockerHigh C, Low E, High D

Passive GatewelcomerLow C, High E, Low D

Facilitative GateopenerHigh C, High E, Low D

Passive GatesnubberLow C, Low E, High D

Ambivalent GatekeepersNow the “more confusing” families

Opinionated GateWatcherLow C, High E, High D

Apathetic GateManagerHigh C, Low E, Low D

Confused GateManagerHigh C, High E, High D

Invisible GateIgnorerLow C, Low E, Low D

C= Control, E= Encouragement, D= Discouragement

Comments or questions?

Jane.puhlman@maine.edu

Daniel.puhlman@maine.edu

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