Positive Outcomes For Parents Research Articles

Parenting experiences and outcomes among former adolescent mothers: A mixed methods study.

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to examine parenting outcomes and experiences over time among marginalized adolescent mothers enrolled in randomized clinical trials (RCT) between 2002 and 2016 testing Minding the Baby® (MTB), an early home visiting program. The quantitative phase examined associations between measures of maternal experiences and parenting outcomes from 71 participants 2-8 years since RCT completion. MTB mothers reported less hostile parenting and fewer child behavior problems. The sequential qualitative phase involved interviews with a subsample (n = 31) and revealed six themes about their personal and parenting maturation. Through integration of quantitative and qualitative data, we generated metainferences, revealing a nuanced understanding of participants' experiences. Integrated findings revealed the complex personal and parenting experiences among former adolescent mothers during their developmental phases of emerging and early adulthood. Findings inform clinical and research approaches to promote personal growth and positive parenting outcomes over time among women who began childbearing in adolescence.

Investigating active ingredients of the GenerationPMTO intervention: Predictors of postintervention change trajectories in parenting practices.

Empirically determining the active ingredients of evidence-based parenting interventions is a promising means for strengthening interventions and enhancing their public health impact. This study aimed to determine which distinct ingredients of the GenerationPMTO (GenPMTO) intervention were associated with subsequent changes in parenting practices. Using a sample of 153 participants randomly assigned to the GenPMTO condition, we employed multilevel modeling to identify intervention ingredients empirically linked with change trajectories in parenting practices observed across the 2 years following intervention exposure. Coercive parenting and positive parenting outcomes were examined. Study results indicated that emotion regulation, effective communication, problem solving, and monitoring each demonstrated a significant pattern of findings for coercive parenting. Differential exposure to each of these ingredients significantly predicted the level of coercive parenting immediately postintervention and/or trajectories of change in coercive parenting across the subsequent 2-year period, controlling for coercive parenting at baseline. No significant predictors were found for positive parenting trajectories. Our findings suggest four components as active ingredients of the GenPMTO intervention for coercive parenting. Identification of these active ingredients may lead to strengthening future iterations of GenPMTO by expanding the set of core components specified in the model, which may further improve public health benefits. Implications for further understanding change stemming from evidence-based parenting interventions are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Religiosity and spirituality among Filipino mothers and fathers: Relations to psychological well-being and parenting.

Religion is recognized as an influential social institution in the Philippines, yet religiosity and spirituality are rarely studied in the context of Filipino family and parent-child relationships. We examine the direct associations of religiosity and spirituality with the psychological well-being and parenting behaviors of 115 mothers and 83 fathers residing in urban neighborhoods in the Philippines. Participants completed orally administered questionnaires on engagement in religious activities, spiritual beliefs, hope, psychological distress, warmth, and harsh parenting. Analyses using structural equation modeling showed that engagement in religious activities was significantly associated with the higher levels of hope and less frequent harsh parenting. In addition, parental warmth had a stronger positive association with spiritual beliefs than with engagement in religious activities. Neither religious activity engagement nor spiritual beliefs were significantly associated with psychological distress. We discuss shared and distinct aspects of religiosity and spirituality that may explain their associations with positive parenting outcomes, and highlight the potential benefits of spiritual beliefs and experiences within the Filipino family context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Promoting sensitive parenting in 'at-risk' mothers and fathers: A UK outcome study of Mellow Babies, a group-based early intervention program for parents and their babies.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Mellow Babies (MB) in the UK. MB is a 14-week early parenting intervention program that is delivered in groups and is targeted at ‘at-risk’ parents (both mothers and fathers) and their babies up to 18 months old.MethodThe study used a pragmatic pre-post intervention design. Outcomes were parental mental health, parenting confidence, quality of life, socio-emotional development of children, and perceived parent-child relationship. Fifteen groups representing n = 91 parent-baby dyads were recruited across the UK between 2017–2018. The sample consisted of 10 Mellow Mums groups (70 mother-baby dyads) and 5 Mellow Dads groups (21 father-baby dyads). Intention-to-treat and ‘completer’ analyses were performed.ResultsFindings suggest short-term positive outcomes for parents attending MB. Completion of the program was associated with significant improvements in anxiety and overall wellbeing, parenting confidence, and perceived closeness of the parent-child relationship. The significance of these improvements, except for parenting confidence, was maintained in the intention-to-treat analysis. MB engaged and retained a high proportion of parents who could be considered ‘at-risk’ and benefitted fathers and mothers attending the intervention equally.ConclusionsThis is the first prospective study to explore MB participation for both mothers and fathers and to indicate engagement and potential benefits specifically for ‘at-risk’ parents. Findings further demonstrate the effectiveness of MB as an early intervention program for parents experiencing psychosocial difficulties. Replication by studies using a contrast or control group also incorporating follow-up data would further improve the evidence base for MB.

Parent perspectives and psychosocial needs 2 years following child critical injury: A qualitative inquiry

IntroductionTo provide effective care and promote wellbeing and positive outcomes for parents and families following paediatric critical injury there is a need to understand parent experiences and psychosocial support needs. This study explores parent experiences two years following their child's critical injury. MethodsThis multi-centre study used an interpretive qualitative design. Parent participants were recruited from four paediatric hospitals in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and managed using NVivo 11. ResultsTwenty-two parents participated. Three themes were identified through analysis: Recovering from child injury; Managing the emotional impact of child injury; Being resilient and finding ways to adapt. ConclusionsA long-term dedicated trauma family support role is required to ensure continuity of care, integration of support and early targeted intervention to prevent long-term adverse outcomes for critically injured children and their families. Early and ongoing psychosocial intervention would help strengthen parental adaptation and address families’ psychosocial support needs following child injury.

“I really believe we can change people’s lives”: Family Life Educators’ beliefs

This qualitative project sought to understand how 53 Family Life Educators (FLEs) in a state in the Appalachian United States identified behaviors, outcomes, and challenges. FLEs identified four behaviors they believed were essential to their roles. They also identified challenges that were perceived to negatively impact their abilities to meet their reported expectations of being a family life educator. Their behaviors, outcomes, and challenges corresponded to the National Extension Parenting Educators’ Framework. The author used grounded theory methods to analyze the interview data. The FLEs who were interviewed identified their primary identity as the Effective FLE. Challenges interrupted FLEs abilities to be effective, but when FLEs were enacting the effective FLE identity they saw positive outcomes. A primary implication is that when FLEs engage in behaviors deemed essential, positive outcomes for parents and themselves are possible. Challenges, however, interrupt that process in a negative way.

Les programmes d’accompagnement auprès de groupes de parents d’enfants présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme, ce que la recherche nous en dit

ObjectivesHaving a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges for parents. In recent years, several intervention programs have been developed for these parents. Most of these programs aim to train parents in parent-mediated intervention for their child. Less common are the programs aiming to support the parent in his parenting role. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze the different published studies focussing on the evaluation of the effects of the latter type of programs, in a group setting. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in five databases to retrieve studies published in the years 2000 to 2017. Ten studies were selected and their content was analyzed to describe the content and form of parenting programs as well as their reported effects on parents who participated. ResultsWe found that there was a great heterogeneity in the form of programs (duration, frequency, intensity). The content of these programs mainly addresses the characteristics of ASD, child intervention strategies and intervention strategies aimed at parental adjustment. The majority of studies adopted a one-group pretest-posttest design. A control group was used in only four studies. The majority of single-group studies reported statistically significant positive effects for parents, among which decreased parental stress. Results are less clear when a control group was used. Two out of four studies did not report significant differences between parents who participated in the programs and those in the control groups. There is a trend, however, that studies examining programs with both child-focused and parent-focused strategies show greater consistency in their results, reporting positive outcomes for parents. ConclusionThe specific effects of such programs remain generally difficult to demonstrate. The contribution of the group setting is only very rarely addressed in these studies. More comprehensive research is still needed to conclusively determine the necessary components to ensure the effectiveness of such programs.

Mindfulness Strategies: Supporting Military Parents During Reintegration

Nearly 2.5 million service members have served on a deployment with a child at home since 2001. While deployment and reintegration (i.e., when the service member returns home) can negatively impact parenting practices, mindfulness strategies offer a new approach for coping with the stress and uncertainty associated with the deployment cycle. The objective of this paper is to further expand professionals’ understanding of how mindfulness can assist military parents. This paper explores the link between mindfulness practices and positive parenting outcomes, and uses the military reintegration period as a context for suggestions as to how professionals can incorporate mindfulness in their work with military families. This comprehensive literature review outlines the research supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness techniques as they apply to parenting. This literature review offered key practices of mindful parenting (i.e., listening with full attention, nonjudgmental acceptance of self and child, compassion for self and others, self-regulation in the parenting relationship, and emotional awareness of self and child). This information was then applied within the context of three challenges military parents’ encounter during reintegration: renegotiating family roles and responsibilities, reconnecting with children, and managing changes in mental health. Military families live both on and off bases throughout the USA and internationally. It is critical that those professionals who work with these families understand the unique contexts that these families encounter and continue to incorporate new tools and resources (e.g., mindfulness) that best serve each of these families.

Child Sexual Abuse: Is it an ordinary problem in the Society?

The child sexual abuse is a common problem in the society. Important thing is the negativity, which affects victims, fellows, families and then the society. In the present study, we have discussed briefly the scope and consequences of child sexual abuse and critiques child-focused personal safety educational programs designed to prevent sexual victimization. The final section offers suggestions for expanding the focus of child-directed efforts and also includes recommendations for alternative approaches to primary prevention. This review discussed identification of the effective solution to support parents, parenting, and efficacy of developing parentteacher leaders on prevention of child sexual abuse literacy among parents. A systematic search of key electronic databases was undertaken to identify systematic reviews evaluating approaches to parenting support. The parents and the educators play main possible roles in the educational success of students. Parental involvement and home-school partnerships have been researched and addressed at the national, state, and local levels. Therefore, in the face of uncertainty as to whether aetiologies of the various forms of child maltreatment are similar or different, a diverse range of approaches to prevention research should be encouraged. Parent education can promote well-being and strengthen families and communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. Successful parent education programs help parents acquire and internalize parenting and problem-solving skills necessary to build a healthy family. Research shows that effective parent training and family interventions can change parents ’attitudes and behaviors, which further promote protective factors, which results in the positive outcomes for parents and children as well. Considering this situation, there is strong evidence to say that Prevention is better than cure.”Hence parents need to be educated as leaders in the community along with teachers for timely and better results of prevention. The review states the importance of educating mandatory reporters and suggests inconclusive findings of sex differences in child abuse recognition parental self-efficacy.

Parents of children with disabilities: A systematic review of parenting interventions and self-efficacy.

BackgroundAn increasing body of empirical evidence suggests that early intervention has positive outcomes for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Parental self-efficacy has been used as an outcome measure in some empirical studies; however, there is a lack of evidence of the impact of parent training programmes on parenting self-efficacy beliefs.ObjectivesThis systematic review sought to assess the effectiveness of parenting interventions to increase parental self-efficacy levels in parents of young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.MethodWe conducted a broad literature search, which included grey literature, such as dissertations and unpublished conference presentations, to identify all relevant prospective studies reporting on our study objective. Articles were selected for inclusion using predefined criteria and data were extracted onto a purposely designed data extraction form. Twenty-five articles met our search criteria. We extracted parenting self-efficacy scores before, and on, completion of parenting interventions and performed a meta-analysis using standardised mean difference. We also conducted a risk of bias assessment for all the included studies.ResultsParent training programmes resulted in a statistically significant increase in parental self-efficacy levels (standardised mean difference, 0.60 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.38–0.83]; I2, 74%) relative to baseline measurements. Parents of children younger than 5 years demonstrated the highest increase in levels of parental self-efficacy after parenting interventions. Furthermore, this review showed that psychologists and other healthcare practitioners are successfully able to implement training programmes that enhance parenting self-efficacy.ConclusionParent training programmes are effective in increasing parental self-efficacy in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Parent-Implemented Language and Communication Interventions for Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities: a Scoping Review

The purpose of this article was to review and examine the empirical literature on parent implemented naturalistic language interventions aimed at supporting language development of young children with disabilities. A scoping review of 21 parent-implemented naturalistic language intervention studies published between 2000 and 2016 was conducted to (a) identify and report the types of naturalistic strategies used in research studies, (b) identify the characteristics of study participants, and (c) collate and summarize the effects of parent implemented intervention studies. All 21 studies reported positive outcomes for parents and children and indicated that parents could implement naturalistic strategies with their young children. Results of parent-implemented language interventions are discussed. Limitations of the present review as well as the current literature are identified. Implications for research and practice are addressed following the literature review.

Best Practice in Provider/Parent Interaction

In this 3-year prospective grounded theory study in three pediatric settings, we aimed to develop a conceptualization of best practice health care providers (BPHCPs) in interaction with parents of children with complex, chronic, life-threatening conditions. Analysis of semistructured interviews with 34 parents and 80 health care professionals (HCPs) and 88 observation periods of HCP/parent interactions indicated that BPHCPs shared a broad worldview; values of equity, family-centered care, and integrity; and a commitment to authentic engagement. BPHCPs engaged in direct care activities, in connecting behaviors, and in exquisitely attuning to particularities of the situation in the moment, resulting in positive outcomes for parents and HCPs. By focusing on what HCPs do well, findings showed that not only is it possible for HCPs to practice in this way, but those who do so are also recognized as being the best at what they do. We provide recommendations for practice and initial and ongoing professional education.

Transition to parenthood during the transition to modernity in Jordan: New parents' views on family and healthcare support systems

Aims and ObjectivesThis study aims to explore new parents' experiences of family support during their transition to parenthood. BackgroundFamily support is widely considered a crucial factor in contributing toward positive outcomes for parents during transition to parenthood. However, inter-generational and socio-cultural differences among family members in understandings and practices of childcare can be a source of tension between new parents and family members. Few studies have examined the role of family support in the context of rapid social change taking place in Middle Eastern countries. This study aims to address this gap by examining the parenting experiences of young Jordanian couples within the family context they are embedded in. Research Design and MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in Jordan involving sixty semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Twenty mothers, twenty fathers, and twenty family members identified as support providers were interviewed. ResultsThe key theme, “it's too much” emerged from interviews to describe the nature of family support experienced by new parents from marriage to pregnancy and until after the arrival of their first child. The study found varied interpretations of traditional child-care practices among older and younger generation of family members, leading to family conflict. This study also found that the lack of credible information from the health system about child-care compelled them to accept the only available information for them from their parents, often times with much resistance and reluctance. This created a situation of stress and anxiety among young parents and undermined the potential for healthy parenting experience. This study also found that not all social support during early days of parenthood led to beneficial health outcomes to mother and child.”Social visiting” by family members to hospital and home, was particularly found to interfere with new parents' pursuit toward privacy and family bonding, immediately following the birth of child. ConclusionThis study has produced a new understanding of the experience of Jordanian new parents' transition to parenthood. This study particularly sheds light on the current dilemma in which these Jordanian new parents find themselves in, which reflect a clash between traditional and modern values. Although the findings aim to contribute to the body of literature that deals with cultural influences on new parents' experiences in Jordon, the learning could be relevant to the other contexts in the Middle Eastern societies.

Seeing and Holding Baby: Systematic Review of Clinical Management and Parental Outcomes After Stillbirth.

In 2009 there were an estimated 2.6 million stillbirths worldwide. In the United States, a 2007 systematic review found little consensus about professional behaviors perceived by parents to be most helpful or most distressing. In the United Kingdom, a bereaved parents' organization has highlighted discordance between parental views and clinical guidelines that recommend clinicians do not encourage parents to see and hold their baby. The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize available research reporting parental outcomes relating to seeing and holding. We undertook a systematic review. We included studies of any design, reporting parental experiences and outcomes. Electronic searches (PubMed and PsychINFO) were conducted in January 2014. Three authors independently screened and assessed the quality of the studies before abstracting data and undertaking thematic analysis. We reviewed 741 records and included 23 studies (10 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 1 mixed-method). Twenty-one studies suggested positive outcomes for parents who saw or held their baby. Increased psychological morbidity was associated with current pregnancy, choice not to see their baby, lack of time with their baby and/or insufficient mementos. Three themes were formulated "positive effects of contact within a traumatic life event," "importance of role of health professionals," and "impact on mothers and fathers: similarities and differences." Stillbirth is a risk factor for increased psychological morbidity. Parents seeing and holding their stillborn baby can be beneficial to their future well-being. Since 2007, there has been a proliferation of studies that challenge clinical guidelines recommending that clinicians do not encourage parental contact.

The Supporting Healthy Marriage Evaluation: Early Impacts on Low-Income Families

The Supporting Healthy Marriage (SHM) evaluation was launched in 2003 to test the effectiveness of a skills-based relationship education program designed to help low-income married couples strengthen their relationships and, in turn, to support more stable and more nurturing home environments and more positive outcomes for parents and their children. The evaluation is led by MDRC, in collaboration with Abt Associates and other partners, and is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services. The SHM program is a voluntary, yearlong, relationship and marriage education program for lowincome, married couples who have children or are expecting a child. The program provides group workshops based on structured curricula; supplemental activities to build on workshop themes; and family support services to address participation barriers, connect families with other services, and reinforce curricular themes. The study’s rigorous random assignment design compares outcomes for families who are offered SHM’s services with outcomes for a similar group of families who are not offered SHM’s services but can access other services. This report presents estimated impacts on the program’s targeted outcomes about one year after couples entered the study.

Social Competence Intervention for Parents (SCI-P): Comparing Outcomes for a Parent Education Program Targeting Adolescents with ASD

Research has shown that parent education programs can address some of the distinct challenges that parents of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) encounter. This study examined the effectiveness of the Social Competence Intervention for Parents (SCI-P), a parent education program, administered in conjunction with a social competence intervention that targeted youth with ASD ages 11–14 (SCI-A). Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, parents were assigned to either the SCI-P group (n = 16) or to the waitlist comparison group (n = 10). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed a significant effect for parent education participation such that SCI-P participants experienced significantly greater reductions in levels of stress and a trend for increases in parenting sense of competence from pre- to post-intervention. Moreover, parents in the SCI-P group reported high satisfaction with the program. These findings suggest that parent education can result in positive outcomes for parents' well being.

Promoting the Social and Communicative Behavior of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this article is to critically review the literature on parent-implemented interventions aimed at promoting and enhancing the social and communicative behavior of young children with autism spectrum disorders. Twelve parent-implemented intervention studies that were conducted, at least in part, in home environments and were published between 1997 and 2007 were identified. Each of these studies is described as a study within a study. A study-within-a-study design allows researchers to examine (a) the effectiveness of the parents' implementation of the newly learned strategies and (b) the influence of parent-implemented strategies on their children's social and communication skills. All 12 studies reported positive outcomes for parents and children. Yet closer examination of the research methods used in each study indicates considerable variability in intervention and data collection strategies. Carefully and critically evaluating this empirical literature can help researchers, teacher educators, and practitioners as they consider options for interventions and plan future research efforts that will efficiently and effectively result in positive outcomes for young children with social communication delays. Implications for research and practice are addressed following the literature review.

Maternal self-efficacy and associated parenting cognitions among mothers of children with autism.

Feelings of competency in the parental role, termed parenting self-efficacy, have been associated with well-being and positive parenting outcomes. Given the unique stresses inherent in raising a child with autism, parents may find it challenging to maintain a positive sense of well-being and self-efficacy. Study aims were to investigate associations between maternal self-efficacy and parenting cognitions among mothers of children with autism. Mothers (n = 170) completed questionnaires on paper or via the Internet. In a hierarchical linear regression, depression, parenting stress, agency, and guilt each accounted for unique variance in maternal self-efficacy when controlling for time since diagnosis and the presence of a second child with a disability. Autism knowledge was not associated with parenting self-efficacy. Self-efficacy appears to be associated with well-being, agency, and feelings of guilt among mothers of children with autism. Parent- and family-based interventions designed to support parental well-being and focusing on parenting cognitions may enhance parenting self-efficacy.

Developing a Framework for Reducing the Cultural Clash Between African American Parents and the Special Education System

A conceptual framework was developed to provide proactive relationship building strategies for professionals in special education and the African American families they serve. Cultural clashes have occurred between the respective groups because of the dissimilar cultural and personal experiences that shape one group's perceptions of the other. Yet, collaborative parent-provider relationships can be established through deconstructing the disparate factors that influence both the perceptions of African American parents and those of professionals. Through utilizing a family- and culture-centered planning approach to services, professionals may begin to more fully understand the factors that shape their own experiences and those of the families they serve. This will serve to reduce the cultural clash between the respective groups and create more positive outcomes for parents and providers.

The Mass Media and the Prevention of Child Behavior Problems: The Evaluation of a Television Series to Promote Positive Outcomes for Parents and Their Children

This paper examines the impact of a 12-episode television series, "Families", on disruptive child behavior and family adjustment. This media intervention comprises the first of a five-level early intervention parenting and family support strategy, known as Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Fifty-six parents of children aged between 2 and 8 years were randomly assigned to either watching the television series or to a waitlist control group. Compared to the control group, parents in the television viewing (TV) condition reported significantly lower levels of disruptive child behavior and higher levels of perceived parenting competence, immediately following intervention. Prior to intervention approximately 42.9% of the children in the TV condition were in the clinically elevated range for disruptive child behavioral problems. This had reduced to 14.3 % following intervention. In addition, a high level of consumer acceptability was reported by parents in the TV condition. All post-intervention effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Implications for public health approaches to family mental health are discussed.