Introduction to special section: Federally funded, community‐based healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood program impact studies

Rhoades, Galena K.; Doss, Brian D.; Carlson, Ryan G.

doi:10.1111/famp.12799

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…However, due to ACF's Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative, there now exists numerous intervention and effectiveness studies with diverse and low-income couples. In fact, a recent special section in Family Process focused on federally funded, community-based healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood program impacts studies (Rhoades et al, 2022). The special section highlighted findings from impact studies for programs targeting low-income couples and individuals, with most programs including a large majority of URM-HM populations.…”

Section: E M a Nc I Patory A Pproac H E S To Cou Pl E -Foc Used I N T...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research

Daire,

Carlson,

Pointer

2023

Family Process

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A lack of diversity exists in couples research with an overrepresentation of white, middle to upper income couples. Additionally, researchers often do not reflect the study sample, particularly when studying underrepresented minority and historically marginalized (URM‐HM) populations. Emancipatory research practices focus on language, processes, and practices to ensure that researchers and the research they conduct honor and contribute to the empowerment of the URM‐HM research participants. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss five critical considerations with recommendations for emancipatory research practices for including couples from URM‐HM populations. The aim is to provide a framework for researchers to critically reflect on their work with URM‐HM populations. The research practices include: (a) research positionality and reflexivity; (b) understanding of the population being served; (c) power and empowerment; (d) accountability, voice, and participant engagement; and (e) research that benefits URM‐HM populations and challenges the systems that perpetuate inequities. Additionally, we present practical strategies to implement these five considerations based on our own experiences conducting community‐effectiveness studies with low‐income and diverse couples.

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Section: E M a Nc I Patory A Pproac H E S To Cou Pl E -Foc Used I N T...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research

Daire,

Carlson,

Pointer

2023

Family Process

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“…There is also some evidence that the effects or mechanisms in such programs may be moderated by levels of sociodemographic disadvantage (Amato, 2014; Knopp et al, 2022), including in the program studied here (Ritchie et al, 2022). A recent special section in Family Process further attests to this growing body of research on these programs (Rhoades et al, 2022). Included there, a meta‐analysis on the ACF‐funded programs found small but statistically significant effects for studies using randomized trials for relationship quality, relationship skills, mental health, and co‐parenting; no significant effects were found for relationship stability, parenting, or child well‐being (Hawkins et al, 2022).…”

Section: Brief History Of Research On Programs Funded By Acfmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Stable Low‐Conflict Index: A policy‐relevant outcome in government‐funded relationship education efforts

et al. 2023

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ObjectiveWe posit that evaluators of relationship education interventions can explore a policy relevant outcome by assessing relationship stability and conflict in a single index that is based on the literature on the effects of divorce and marital distress on children. We provide an empirical example from a randomized trial.BackgroundThe U.S. Administration for Children and Families funds community‐based projects using relationship education with a foundational goal of fostering stable and healthy relationships. Assessing this outcome requires an approach different from separately analyzing stability and relationship quality.MethodWe used data (N = 1,156 couples) from a randomized trial of Family Expectations to test the Stable Low‐Conflict Index, comparing couples assigned to the intervention to couples assigned to an untreated control group at a follow‐up 8 to 9 months postintervention.ResultsIntervention couples were more likely to be in a stable, low‐conflict relationship at the follow up than control couples (b = .36, SE = .15, odds ratio = 1.44, p = .014).ConclusionAn index based on empirical precedence showed evidence of an intervention impact in a community‐based program.ImplicationsEvaluators of family policy linked interventions may advance the field by exploring outcomes that encapsulate aspects of both relationship stability and quality.

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“…Funding requires programs to provide services for fathers in three focus areas: engaged fatherhood, economic stability, and healthy relationships (Dion et al, 2018). These programs have enrolled roughly two million participants to date, majorly low-income fathers (Rhoades et al, 2022).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring low‐income, Black fathers' strengths and barriers to positive change using qualitative methods

Russell,

Withrow,

Voith

et al. 2023

Family Relations

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ObjectiveThe goal was to explore low‐income, Black fathers' personal strengths and barriers to engaged fatherhood, healthy relationships, and economic stability.BackgroundFatherhood programs often rely on case management and education to promote positive fathering, healthy relationships, and economic stability. However, methods should be tailored to fit the strengths and needs of participating fathers. Low‐income, Black fathers face additional challenges related to systemic discrimination and structural violence that can hinder their success. To effectively serve this group, research is required to understand their relevant strengths and barriers.MethodsSemistructured focus groups explored fathers' personal strengths and barriers specific to the three areas of interest with fatherhood program staff (n = 8) and enrolled fathers (n = 26). Thematic analysis was conducted then systematically vetted by community scholars (previously enrolled or graduated fathers).ResultsFathering strengths included empathy, listening skills, and active family participation. Barriers included limited custody or access, individual constraints, and unmet social needs. Participants contextualized these findings with structural issues related to coparenting and the legal system (e.g., biased court systems). Men's relationship strengths included mutual respect and teamwork. Barriers included past trauma, lack of healthy relationship models, and relationship strain. Economic stability strengths included financial literacy and motivation to provide, whereas barriers included legal history, financial obligations, and limited resources.ConclusionThese findings highlight key individual‐level strengths and barriers grounded in fathers' intersectional identities as predominantly low‐income, Black men.ImplicationsPrograms serving low‐income, Black fathers should consider tailoring their programming to the lived experiences of participants to navigate these critical barriers and amplify assets for success.

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Introduction to special section: Federally funded, community‐based healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood program impact studies

Cited by 4 publications

References 17 publications

Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research

Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research

The Stable Low‐Conflict Index: A policy‐relevant outcome in government‐funded relationship education efforts

Exploring low‐income, Black fathers' strengths and barriers to positive change using qualitative methods

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