Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether fathers who attend TYRO Dads class report greater satisfaction in their relationship with their child and increased engagement in activities with

their child than nonparticipants and, if so, whether parent- ing efficacy, parenting role identity, and coparenting rela- tionship with the child’s mother account for differences in

father involvement between the intervention and control groups. Background: Despite the growing number of fatherhood intervention programs, limited experimental research has been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness. Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted

with a sample of 252 fathers randomly assigned to inter- vention and control groups. Both groups completed a pre- test survey and were followed up at the end of intervention

(posttest) and 3 months after the intervention (follow-up). Latent growth curve models were used to estimate both intervention and dosage effects.

Results: The intervention group fathers reported signifi- cant improvement over time in the level of satisfaction of

the relationship with their child. This finding may be

partly because program participants became more confi- dent in their parenting role, had their parenting role iden- tity enhanced, or felt better about their relationship with

their child’s mother. These results were more pronounced among those who attended eight out of 10 sessions. Conclusion: In this study, the TYRO Dads program was an effective intervention helping low-income fathers boost

their confidence as a father and enhancing fathers’ percep- tion of their relationship with the child’s mother.

Implications: Responsible fatherhood programs should make an intentional effort to incentivize participation to increase attendance and the likelihood of completing the program.

Comments

Originally published in Fatherhood Research & Practice Network in 2018

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