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Intervention for maltreating fathers: statistically and clinically significant change.
Katreena L Scott1, Vicky Lishak
1Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, OISE, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V6.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|September 8, 2012
Summary
This study shows a community program significantly improved parenting skills and reduced aggression in fathers with a history of child maltreatment. Results are promising for fathering interventions for high-risk men.
Area of Science:
- Child Maltreatment Interventions
- Fathering Programs
- Behavioral Health
Background:
- Fathers are underrepresented in child maltreatment interventions.
- Limited research exists on effective interventions for fathers who have maltreated children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a community-based group treatment program for fathers with a history of child abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence.
- To assess the program's efficacy in improving parenting, co-parenting, and reducing aggression.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 98 fathers participated in a group treatment program.
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured changes in parenting, co-parenting, and generalized aggression.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in fathers' over-reactivity and respect for partners.
- 36-43% of participants initially in the clinical range recovered by the end of the intervention.
- Medium effect sizes were noted, with scores moving into the normative range.
Conclusions:
- The fathering intervention program shows promising results for high-risk men.
- Further research with longer follow-up and control groups is warranted.
- The findings support the continued development of targeted fathering interventions.
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