This study evaluated the efficacy of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) adapted for Danish couples expecting their first child. Couples were recruited consecutively through a public maternity ward (N = 290). On the basis of due dates, they were allocated to (a) PREP, (b) an information-based control group (INFO), or (c)…

This study examined the link between socioeconomic status (SES) and school readiness, testing whether parenting (maternal sensitivity and negative behavior/intrusiveness) and financial stress mediated this association and if race moderated these paths. Participants included 164 mother-child dyads from African American and European American…

Ambiguous loss has become a standard theory for understanding the impact of situations where the presence of a family member is subject to ambiguity. A number of studies of ambiguous loss have been made in a range of situations of ambiguity, but almost all have been firmly located within a Western cultural context. Here, ambiguous loss is explored…

Identifies and elaborates several programs in British Columbia which have been designed to strengthen the family. The programs are evaluated to assess their impact on family health. Some forces in education which have affected the family-school partnership are also analyzed. (JAC)

Evaluated marriage preparation program to determine overall consumer satisfaction with the program, satisfaction with specific content areas, and extent to which consumer characteristics affected satisfaction ratings. Results of survey of 196 couples revealed high overall satisfaction levels, variability in satisfaction by content area, and…

Examined effects of parenting courses (Parent Effectiveness Training or Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) on family relationships in 31 married couples. Found courses were generally seen as beneficial; revealed no perceived differences in the two courses. (Author/ABL)

Describes one model for an integrated, multi-agency program for adolescent mothers and their children. Each of the four agencies involved provides financial support and is responsible for one component of the program. Factors important in its success include a wide base of support, on-site services, established mechanisms for integration, and…

Although the economic and social conditions of families have changed considerably, the framework of U.S. social policy with regard to families has not changed. Under the framework, policymakers assume that the poverty of families or individuals is largely their own fault. This long-standing belief has impeded the expansion of public spending on…

Discusses the stress placed on families by nonsoothable crying infants, and describes a CrySOS clinic which was designed to help parents cope. Theoretical and empirical backgrounds are presented, as well as procedures followed at a typical first visit and some current developments. (JAC)

Improvements in transfer and retention of skills learned in parent education programs were hypothesized to occur if the learning process provided for the "discovery of personal meaning". Data from 28 parents revealed that parents in the personal meaning approach demonstrated more effective learning and retention. Few changes in attitude…