Abstract
Few fathers enrol in web-based preventive parenting programs for adolescent mental health, despite the evidence of the benefits associated with their participation. To inform the development of father-inclusive programs, this study used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) design to determine (a) the relative influence of number of sessions, program benefits, program participants, and user control over program content on fathers’ preferences for web-based preventive parenting programs; and (b) whether selected father characteristics were associated with their preferences. One hundred and seventy-one fathers completed the DCE survey, which comprised 25 choices between hypothetical programs. Programs that included the participant’s adolescent child (z = 10.06, p < 0.0001), or parenting partner (z = 7.30, p < 0.001) were preferred over those designed for fathers only. Participants also preferred program content that was recommended for them by experts (z = −4.31, p < 0.0001) and programs with fewer sessions (z = −2.94, p < 0.01). Program benefits did not predict fathers’ choice of program. Prior use of a parenting program, level of education, perceived role of parenting for adolescent mental health, and being part of a dual-working family were associated with preferences. Application of these findings may improve paternal enrolment in web-based preventive parenting programs.
Highlights
Published: 24 November 2021Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of disability and disadvantage for adolescents worldwide [1,2]
We examined whether fathers’ perceived role of parenting for adolescent mental health issues and confidence in parenting for adolescent mental health interacted with their preferences
This study explored whether fathers’ preferences for web-based parenting programs for adolescent mental health were influenced by number of sessions, program benefits, program participants, and user control over program content
Summary
Published: 24 November 2021Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of disability and disadvantage for adolescents worldwide [1,2]. Adolescence describes the developmental stage following the onset of puberty, during which young people transition from childhood into adulthood. This period is associated with psychological development and shifts in social environments which can have an impact on mental health and well-being [6]. This includes a transition towards individuation from the family system, increased importance of peer group relations, and personal identity formation. Young people are at greater risk of experiencing mental health problems during adolescence compared to childhood [6,7]. Given that adolescence is a period of development associated with heightened risks for mental health problems and the onset of many psychiatric illnesses [8], it presents a key opportunity for preventive intervention
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