EIP was designed to help young mothers gain social competence and achieve program objectives. The construct of social competence was conceived to have two facets: internal and external. EIP aimed to improve internal competence—the mother’s ability to manage her inner world—through training in self-management skills and techniques for coping with stress and depression. EIP aimed to improve external competence—the mother’s ability to interact effectively with partners, family, peers, and social agencies—through training in communication and social skills.