A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of the TYRO Dads Program

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether fathers who attend TYRO Dads class report greater satisfaction in their relationship with their child and increased engagement in activities with their child than nonparticipants and, if so, whether parenting efficacy, parenting role identity, and coparenting relationship with the child's mother account for differences in father involvement between the intervention and control groups.BackgroundDespite the growing number of fatherhood intervention programs, limited experimental research has been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.MethodA randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample of 252 fathers randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Both groups completed a pretest survey and were followed up at the end of intervention (posttest) and 3 months after the intervention (follow‐up). Latent growth curve models were used to estimate both intervention and dosage effects.ResultsThe intervention group fathers reported significant improvement over time in the level of satisfaction of the relationship with their child. This finding may be partly because program participants became more confident in their parenting role, had their parenting role identity enhanced, or felt better about their relationship with their child's mother. These results were more pronounced among those who attended eight out of 10 sessions.ConclusionIn this study, the TYRO Dads program was an effective intervention helping low‐income fathers boost their confidence as a father and enhancing fathers' perception of their relationship with the child's mother.ImplicationsResponsible fatherhood programs should make an intentional effort to incentivize participation to increase attendance and the likelihood of completing the program.