A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study of an Adapted Evidence-Based Parenting Program for Fathers: Impacts on Fathers’ Child Maltreatment Behaviors and Involvement

Introduction: Evidence-based behavioral parenting programs are regarded by experts as successful child maltreatment (CM) prevention methods for at-risk parents. However, disparities exist related to program access, as most of these programs are delivered and targeted to mothers. Inclusion of fathers in research and practice is imperative to public health prevention efforts, as male caregivers are involved in approximately 45% of substantiated CM cases. Thus, the purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of an adapted version of SafeCare® (Dad2K) that targeted marginalized fathers with the goal of promoting access and equity in opportunities for engagement in such evidence-based programs.

Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach. Fathers of children ages 2-5 years (n=99) were recruited into the efficacy trial from community organizations. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the six-session Dad2K program; half were assigned to a control group receiving general parenting materials. Participants completed 3 quantitative research assessments: baseline, 7 weeks post-baseline, and 19 weeks post-baseline. A subsample of fathers (n = 25) participated in a qualitative interview following completion of their second assessment. Quantitative data included information on fathers’ CM behaviors (i.e., total corporal punishment and neglect; Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale), overall mental health (Brief Symptom Inventory), and demographic information. Quantitative data were analyzed using a multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial model. Qualitative data were analyzed with a narrative analysis approach.

Results: The quantitative analysis (n=95) revealed no time-by-treatment effects for corporal punishment (estimate=-0.03, 95% CI: -0.47, 0.41, p=0.89) nor for neglect (estimate=-0.13, 95% CI: -1.93, 1.68, p=0.89). Father mental health emerged as a statistically significant predictor of corporal punishment (estimate=0.21, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36, p=0.005) in the adjusted model. The qualitative analysis indicated that fathers acquired developmentally appropriate behavioral management strategies, which increased the level of positive involvement and interaction between fathers and their children.

Conclusion: While no time-by-treatment effects were found in the quantitative analysis, father mental health did emerge as a predictor of corporal punishment. In contrast, qualitative data supported treatment group fathers’ increased involvement and use of positive parenting practices learned in the program. This research highlights the importance of mixed-methods research when testing preventative interventions with under-studied populations, and indicated feasibility for such programs. This is one of the few intervention studies to focus on marginalized fathers, addressing a gap in the literature and informing future work.