Caregivers' perspectives on making strength-based parenting programs accessible and engaging — ASN Events
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  3. Caregivers' perspectives on making strength-based parenting programs accessible and engaging

Caregivers' perspectives on making strength-based parenting programs accessible and engaging (#839)

Ryan O'Byrne 1 , Daniel Perlmutter 1 , Margaret N Lumley 1
  1. University of Guelph (Guelph), Guelph, ONTARIO, Canada

Background

Strength-based parenting is a style of caregiving which notices and leverages strengths in the child and the caregiver (Waters, 2015). Several studies have examined the effectiveness of strength-based parenting programs with promising results (Waters, 2020; Waters & Sun, 2016; Zavala & Waters, 2022). To maximize the impact of these programs, it is important that they are designed to access and engage a wide-spectrum of families because access and engagement are necessary prerequisites to effectiveness (McGoron & Ondersma, 2015).

Aims

The present study aims to identify and better understand what helps parents to access and engage with strength-based parenting programs.

Method

Consistent with recommendations (McGoron & Ondersma, 2015), our research team has developed an online, self-directed, strength-based parenting program (Strengths to Grow) which was recently updated based on pilot study data (O’Byrne et al., 2022). Prior to distribution at a larger scale, a community sample of parents (1 man, 1 non-binary person, 8 women, Mage = 38.70, SDage = 6.00) completed the updated online program and provided feedback through an interview and a survey. Conventional content analysis was employed to identify themes in parent responses.

Results

Parents valued efficient, visually appealing program layouts incorporating high quality media. They were interested in a variety of presentation formats (e.g., videos, stories, lists) to allow tailoring to their preferred learning style. Parents wanted delivery methods, such as mobile apps, that were easily accessible in a variety of locations and easy to access over time. Regarding content, parents were most interested in information about developing children’s strengths.

Conclusion

Results provide practical recommendations for increasing the reach of strength-based parenting programs to allow a wider spectrum of families to benefit from strength-based resources. 

 

  1. McGoron, L., & Ondersma, S. J. (2015). Reviewing the need for technological and other expansions of evidence-based parent training for young children. Children and Youth Services Review, 59, 71–83. https://doi.org/10/f8bhbv
  2. O’Byrne, R., Thompson, R., Friedmann, J. S., & Lumley, M. N. (2022). Parent engagement with an online, school-based, character strengths promotion program. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 7(3), 355–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-022-00072-4
  3. Waters, L. (2015). Strength-based parenting and life satisfaction in teenagers. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 2(11), 158–173. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.211.1651
  4. Waters, L. (2020). Using positive psychology interventions to strengthen family happiness: A family systems approach. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 0(0), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1789704
  5. Waters, L., & Sun, J. (2016). Can a brief strength-based parenting intervention boost self-efficacy and positive emotions in parents? International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 1(1), 41–56. https://doi.org/10/gfschb
  6. Zavala, C., & Waters, L. (2022). “It’s a family matter”: A strengths-based intervention for parents of sexual minority individuals. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 0(0), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2022.2113948
  • Please select up to 3 keywords from the following list to best describe your submission content: Online / Virtual, Parenting, Strengths
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