Year
2007
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
College of Education and Human Services
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Department
Accounting & Finance
First Advisor
Dr. Cheryl Fountain
Second Advisor
Dr. Afesa Adams
Third Advisor
Dr. Katherine M. Kasten
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of participation in a family coaching program on perceptions of parental self-efficacy, families' use of encouragement, and reinforcement behaviors. A second purpose of the study was to ascertain the lasting effect on families participating in a family involvement intervention that included coaching. Families with prekindergarten and/or kindergarten children attending school in a low-income neighborhood and neighboring child care centers were recruited for the study.
The Family Coaching Institute, the family involvement intervention for this study, consisted of three 5-week, 2-hour biweekly sessions. Attendance ranged from 3 to 15 sessions. Child care, dinner, learning activities, materials, books and supplies were provided. Participants were encouraged to use the activities at home with their children between sessions. Pre-intervention and post-intervention interviews were conducted with the participants using scales designed to measure parental self-efficacy, encouragement, and reinforcement behaviors. Family members also participated in a focus group and completed the Family Involvement Learning Survey 6 months after the intervention.
Results of the study indicated there were no statistically significant differences in responses from the beginning to the end of the intervention on the scales designed to measure parental self-efficacy, encouragement, and reinforcement behaviors. These findings are discussed in the context of a response shift bias. In contrast, ratings on the Family Involvement Learning Survey indicated participation in the intervention had a strong impact on family behaviors.
Suggested Citation
Young, James, "Assessing the Impact of Family Coaching on Parental Attitudes and Behaviors" (2007). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 211.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/211