An Equity-Focused Assessment of Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention Research

Area of Science:

• Child and Family Studies
• Public Health
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPIs) aim to enhance child resilience and address behavioral concerns.
• Critiques highlight EBPIs' limited relevance and effectiveness for diverse populations at scale.
• Racial equity-centered research and community-based participatory approaches can address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the integration of racial equity methods in studies supporting the Family First Prevention Services Act evidence base.
• To identify the extent to which research practices align with culturally responsive evaluation models.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and coding of 47 research papers from ten in-home parent skill-based programs.
• Development of a coding system based on the Culturally Responsive Evaluation model.
• Analysis focused on the presence of specific equity-informed research practices.

Main Results:

• The integration of equity-informed methods in EBPI research was found to be low.
• Only three of 28 assessed codes were present in over half of the studies.
• A positive trend in the use of these methods was observed over time.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous research can and should incorporate racial equity throughout the study lifecycle.
• Integrating equity improves the external validity and applicability of parenting intervention research.
• Further efforts are needed to enhance the use of racial equity methods in EBPI research.