Abstract: This article provides an introduction to this special section of Couple and Family Psychology: Research & Practice titled In Pursuit of Evidence-Based Approach to Parenting. This special section is part of an ongoing series of special sections called Current Topics in Couple and Family Psychology. What is unique about this format is that we are encouraging a broad presentation of a complex, socially relevant, and clinically important area in this Journal. These manuscripts bring multiple perspectives and multiple methods to help us understand the current status of our understanding of parenting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Demographic trends indicate there is no longer 1 “dominant family” in the 21st century (Pew Research Center, 2015). Rather, the contemporary family constellation is hugely diverse and dynamic. Ongoing shifts in family life make it imperative that couple and family psychologists stay current through awareness of evidence-based parenting interventions that are applicable to clinical work. Similarly, rapid shifts in family life implore researchers to empirically examine family experiences. This article seeks to provide a cohesive approach to understanding the status of research with regard to evidence-based parenting interventions. The terms effective parenting, parenting interventions/programs, and evidence-based interventions are reviewed. The work of Sexton et al. (2011) is presented as a scaffolding tool to evaluate empirical research by looking at strength of outcome, cross-cultural application, and indication of change processes. A framework that incorporates effective parenting, parenting interventions/programs, and evidence-based practice is applied to an understanding of parenting research with a focus on the following questions: (a) What do meta-analyses suggest about effective parenting practices' (b) What do meta-analyses suggest about effective parenting interventions/programs' Implications of responses to these 2 questions is then considered in the context of a third question: (c) What implications does this knowledge have for the implementation of parenting programs in diverse community contexts' The author presents the parenting research partnership as a culturally centered, community-based participatory research model for evidence-based parenting intervention studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Many parents now use the Internet as a preferred method of accessing parenting information and support. Evidence-based behavioral parenting programs are well-suited to online delivery and have demonstrated efficacy through numerous randomized controlled trials, with parenting outcomes enhanced relative to self-directed treatment through professional support. However, more work is needed to better understand how we can maximize treatment effects and ensure users are provided with a minimally sufficient level of support. Developing a clearer understanding of the pathways of change is an important step toward this goal. In this study, we used path analysis to examine whether measurable and modifiable factors such as a parent’s initial level of distress can predict response to online treatment both with and without professional support, and explored its impact on the putative mediating pathway of self-efficacy as a key mechanism of reductions in negative parenting. Finally, we examined the hypothesis that professional consultations were primarily responsible for improving outcomes through increasing program engagement, likely due to added accountability and its impact on motivation. Hypotheses were partially supported, showing that self-efficacy was associated with the treatment → negative parenting pathway when parents were provided with professional support, whereas in the absence of support, this pathway was disrupted for parents experiencing high levels of distress before treatment. Additionally, a plausible model was developed showing that telephone consultations influenced program engagement, but had additional effects on negative parenting not explained by the online modules alone. Clinical implications for the online delivery of parenting programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This evidence-based case study explores the impact of an 8-week parenting intervention among diverse parents with young children who attended an urban, community-based parent program. The case study consists of a group pretest/posttest design with the intervention program as the manipulation. As such, the community-based pilot program forms the case study rather than a clinical case. The unique benefits of an evidence-based case study approach are presented. Data analyses include correlations to examine relationships among variables at Time 1 and at Time 2 and within-subjects t tests to analyze differences between participants’ responses pre- and postintervention participation for variables that reflect parenting style, parenting competence, and the experience of being the parent of a baby. Results indicate 2 significant subscale changes (i.e., Life Change and Centrality) between Time 1 and Time 2. Changes are thought to indicate a shift toward positive parenting. The study concludes with an application of the parenting research partnership model to the evidence-based case study approach. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The effective rearing of children—parenting—is perhaps the single most challenging and important contribution adults make to the continuation of the human species and the well-being of society. This commentary considered a special section with 3 articles that examined effective parenting from a contemporary family viewpoint. Taken together these articles provoke reflection on the past, present, and future of research on effective parenting and parenting intervention within the family context. Comments were organized around 4 questions: (a) What is effective parenting', (b) Does one size fit all', (c) Can effective parenting be taught', and (d) Where is the couple and family system in parenting research' (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Relationship distress has deleterious effects on mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Although many couples report relationship distress, one barrier to seeking services is that one member of a couple may be too busy or refuse to participate. Relationship interventions offered to individuals have shown promising efficacy, but, as most are offered in-person, barriers to their reach remain. To increase the reach of such interventions, the present pilot study examined the efficacy of a fully web-based relationship intervention for individuals (OR-I). The program was adapted from the couple version of the OurRelationship program (OR-C), which is effective in improving relationship and individual functioning (Doss et al., 2016). Results indicated that couples randomized to the OR-I program, compared with couples in a waitlist control group, saw significant improvement in quality of life (d = 0.69), work functioning (d = 0.44), and perceived health (d = 0.49) during treatment. Furthermore, gains in quality of life and perceived health for the intervention group were maintained over short-term follow-up. However, there were no significant improvements in relationship functioning or symptoms of depression or anxiety. When comparing the efficacy of OR-I and a demographically matched subsample of OR-C, results showed that change in outcomes did not significantly differ by program. Overall, with some adaptations, OR-I may be a viable option for individuals seeking relationship help. Limitations, potential adaptations, and future directions are discussed in-depth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: A modified, discovery-oriented task analysis was conducted to delineate what therapist interventions and client emotional processes are involved in successful withdrawer re-engagement in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). EFT is an empirically validated approach to treating couples. Withdrawer re-engagement is seen as a key element of the change process in EFT, yet limited research is available as to how the process is facilitated in session. Seven videotaped samples of successful withdrawer re-engagement were critically examined using task analytic methods. Therapist interventions and client emotional processes were assessed using the Emotion-Focused Therapy Coding Scheme and the Experiencing Scale. Implications for future research, clinical practice, and training are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Couples experiencing clinical levels of distress likely experience marital arguments. Exercise may attenuate such conflict. The current study examined daily links between exercise and the number and intensity of marital arguments, relationship satisfaction, stress levels, and argument topics. Participants included 36 heterosexual couples in a treatment-as-usual setting who completed the Daily Diary of Events in Couple Therapy. Results indicated a positive relationship between female hours of exercise and argument intensity for both partners. The number of hours males exercise was not significantly related to any variables; however, male daily stress was significantly related to female report of argument intensity. This suggests that although exercise has empirically supported benefits for individuals, clinical couples may also experience increased argument intensity in connection with exercise. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT
Subscription journal
