Engaging vulnerable populations in parent-led support groups: Testing a recruitment strategy

Abstract

Despite the proven benefits of parenting interventions, parent engagement in such interventions remains low and is particularly challenging among vulnerable populations. This theoretically grounded study tested the effectiveness of a recruitment strategy - a simulated parent-led support group (PSG) - to increase intentions to attend a PSG in a predominantly low income, minority sample. The study also examined sociodemographic characteristics that may influence the effectiveness of the recruitment strategy and engagement in PSGs. Surveys assessing intentions to attend a PSG were administered before and after the simulation, and a 2-month follow-up survey assessed subsequent PSG attendance. A total of 95 participants were included in this study. Results indicate that participants' intentions to attend a PSG significantly increased following the PSG simulation (Cohen's d = 1.15), especially among Hispanics. However, PSG attendance in the 2 months following the PSG simulation was relatively low, with only 13% of parents attending a PSG or a planning meeting to start a new PSG. Nevertheless, this recruitment strategy may serve as an important component of a larger engagement effort, especially given the substantial challenges of engaging vulnerable populations in PSGs and other parenting interventions to reduce educational and health disparities.

Demoralizing Food, Bodies, and Movement: A Phenomenological Exploration of Caregivers’ Experience in a Body-Neutral Parenting Support Group

“…One avenue of therapy that provides positive results, while also providing support for the caregivers, is psychoeducational support groups (Brown et al, 2018). Support groups buffer the negative influence of parental stress on one's health by increasing social support, which has been proven to enhance coping responses among caregivers (Brown et al, 2018). By receiving the proper support, caregivers can focus on effectively fostering healthy body image in their children (Pope et al, 2014).…”