U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Enhancing Coparenting, Parenting, and Child Self-Regulation: Effects of Family Foundations 1 Year After Birth

NCJ Number
253628
Journal
Prevention Science Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 276-285
Author(s)
Mark E. Feinberg; Marni L. Kan; Megan C. Goslin
Date Published
September 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether a psycho-educational program with modest dosage (eight sessions), delivered in a universal framework through childbirth education programs and targeting the co-parenting relationship would have a positive impact on observed family interaction and child behavior at 6-month follow-up (child age 1 year).
Abstract

The evaluation involved 169 couples, randomized to intervention and control conditions, who participated in videotaped family observation tasks at pre-test (during pregnancy) and at child age 1 year (2003-2007). Co-parenting, 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 co-parenting relationship at the transition to parenthood represents an effective, non-stigmatizing means of promoting parenting quality and child adjustment. (publisher abstract modified)