Revisiting a non-significant findings study: A parent mentor intervention trial as exemplar

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe an interactive process for revising a parent social support intervention study with non-significant quantitative findings but strong clinical significance. We will present the methodological challenges that were problematic in the original intervention that potentially contributed to the non-significant findings, and a revised plan of action for conducting a future parent social support intervention. Of note, we have reconsidered the theory used to frame the original study, the randomization process, the intervention clarity and fidelity plan, what measures would better capture the effect, and the development of a more robust analysis plan that considers intra-family correlation, mediation and moderation (mixed model analysis). We will present the revision for each of these methods supported by recent empirical literature. Although this process may not be appropriate for all non-significant interventions, it should be considered with any study that has clinical significance.