Male Caregivers and Engagement in a Family Strengthening Program for Child Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Family Psychology
• Behavioral Health Services Research

Background:

• Growing interest in engaging male caregivers in pediatric mental health care.
• Focus on disruptive behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
• Limited research on the specific impact of male caregiver involvement on treatment outcomes for ODD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between male caregiver presence and treatment engagement for children diagnosed with ODD.
• To compare family resources and program participation based on the presence or absence of a male caregiver.

Main Methods:

• Study included 122 children (ages 7-11) with child-onset ODD and their caregivers.
• Participants were enrolled in the 4 Rs 2 Ss Strengthening Families Program.
• Families were analyzed based on the presence of a male caregiver versus single, female-headed households.

Main Results:

• Families with a male caregiver reported significantly higher socioeconomic resources (income, education, food security).
• The presence of a male caregiver was associated with over threefold lower dropout rates from the program.
• Male caregiver involvement correlated with increased engagement in mental health services.

Conclusions:

• The presence of a male caregiver is linked to enhanced family resources and better treatment engagement for child ODD.
• Male caregivers may play a crucial role in supporting children's participation and adherence to mental health interventions.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms driving this positive association.