Enhancing coparenting, parenting, and child self-regulation: effects of family foundations 1 year after birth

Prev Sci. 2009 Sep;10(3):276-85. doi: 10.1007/s11121-009-0130-4.

Abstract

This study investigated whether a psycho-educational program with modest dosage (eight sessions), delivered in a universal framework through childbirth education programs and targeting the coparenting relationship would have a positive impact on observed family interaction and child behavior at 6-month follow-up (child age 1 year). One hundred sixty-nine couples, randomized to intervention and control conditions, participated in videotaped family observation tasks at pretest (during pregnancy) and at child age 1 year (2003-2007). Coparenting, parenting, couple relationship, and child self-regulatory behaviors were coded by teams of raters. Intent-to-treat analyses of program effects controlled for age, education, and social desirability. Evidence of significant (p < 0.05) program effects at follow-up emerged in all four domains. Effect sizes ranged from 0.28 to 1.01. Targeting the coparenting relationship at the transition to parenthood represents an effective, non-stigmatizing means of promoting parenting quality and child adjustment.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child Behavior*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / prevention & control
  • Parenting*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult