Abstract:
This thesis consists of three separate but interlinked studies. The aim of the first study was to investigate ways to increase father engagement and involvement in parenting programmes. The second study tested the effectiveness of the Group Triple P Program, which had additional father relevant content, for fathers and mothers of young children with behavioural difficulties. The aim of study three was to examine the similarities and differences in the types of contributions made by fathers and mothers when they participated together in a group delivered parenting programme. Father participation in behavioural family interventions is low, with mixed findings about programme effectiveness for fathers compared to mothers. Adapting programme content and delivery to better meet the needs of fathers may increase their involvement and overcome barriers to engagement. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to obtain fathers’ preferences for the content, delivery, and promotion of family interventions, as well as the acceptability of Triple P Program materials. Survey (n = 161) and focus group (n = 15) results indicated that fathers desired information regarding on how to improve the parent-child relationship, and ways to improve children’s confidence and social competence, as well as techniques for showing physical affection, working with their child’s other parent and managing their own negative emotions. This information was used in combination with existing research to adapt an evidence based behavioural family intervention, the Group Triple P Program©. A randomised-controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the adapted programme with 42 families who had a child between the age of three to eight years, with elevated levels of conduct behaviour problems. Fathers and mothers were both screened for eligibility based on ratings of their child’s behaviour, and then randomly allocated to either the intervention or waitlist control condition. Parenting and child outcomes were measured at three time points (pre, post, and 6-month follow up), and father and mother satisfaction following the programme was examined. Results showed there were significant improvements in father and mother ratings of child behaviour, and dysfunctional parenting practices and parenting efficacy, which were maintained for six-months following the completion of the eight week programme. Father and mother attendance and satisfaction ratings were both high. The group sessions were also transcribed in order to better understand the types of contributions made by fathers and mothers when they participated in the programme in a mixedgender group setting. Eight couples were included across four separate groups, with all five sessions transcribed and analysed for each group. No significant differences were found between fathers and mothers in the total amount of contributions they made during the programme. There were some differences in the themes of contribution, with fathers using more humour and mothers sharing more personal stories and reporting greater co-parenting cooperation. The number of sessions parents attended did not impact programme outcomes, though the quality of involvement from parents did, with reports of co-parenting, participating in group exercises, asking clarification questions, and participants reflecting on the impact of their own behaviour having the greatest effect. The results from this research suggest that small modifications to programme content, delivery, and promotion may be sufficient to increase programme satisfaction, attendance, and programme completion by both parents. The findings could be used to help guide programme development and delivery for both parents to participate together, as a way of enhancing father engagement.