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The Parent Perspective: Informing the Cultural Sensitivity of Parenting Programs in Rural Communities

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An Erratum to this article was published on 13 December 2007

Abstract

Using focus group methodology, this study examined parents’ perceptions of a behavioral parenting program offered in a rural, Appalachian community to parents of children with disruptive behavior problems. Parents were asked to comment on barriers to participation, strengths and weaknesses of the parenting program, and recommendations for program improvements. Results suggest that evidence-based parenting programs offer a unique form of social support beyond that received from the kinship communities that typically characterize rural society. However, fears of being judged by mental health professionals and distrust of others are significant cultural and interpersonal barriers that must be addressed through future program modifications. Data representing the parent voice provide rich and innovative ideas that serve to advance research associated with enhancing the cultural sensitivity of evidence-based parenting programs in rural communities.

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Notes

  1. The parenting program was derived from the evidence-based principals included in the protocols of the Defiant Child program (Barkley 1997) and the Community-Oriented Parenting Education (COPE) programs (Cunningham et al. 1996), both of which have substantial empirical support for their effectiveness (e.g., Anastopoulos et al. 1993; Cunningham et al. 1995; Pisterman et al. 1989). Sessions lasted 90 min, during which participants observed videotapes of exaggerated versions of parenting errors, discussed the observed errors and the impact these errors have on child behavior and parent–child relationships, learned effective parenting strategies, and collectively formulated solutions to the problem. Topics covered included: the cycle of noncompliance, positive attending, planned ignoring, effective instructions, time out (2 sessions), point systems, response cost, managing behavior in public places, and a review of all skills during a booster session. The parenting program was held at a local recreation facility, and dinner and childcare were provided. To evaluate treatment outcome during program implementation, parents were asked to complete a packet of questionnaires before the program began, at the end of the program, and at 2-month follow up. Parents received monetary compensation for completing the questionnaires, but not for attending the parenting group. The packet included a demographic questionnaire, The Ohio Scales (Ogles et al. 1999) problem severity and functioning subscales, and The Disruptive Behavior Stress Index (Johnson and Reader 2002) number of stressors and severity of stressors subscales.

  2. See Footnote 1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ohio University, Porter Hall 200, Athens, OH, 45701, USA

    Julie Sarno Owens & Lauren Richerson

  2. Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services, 90 Hospital Drive, Athens, OH, USA

    Caroline E. Murphy

  3. 7A Carol Lane, Athens, OH, 45701, USA

    Anna Jageleweski

  4. 11071 Ravenwood Court, Pickerington, OH, 43147, USA

    Laura Rossi

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  1. Julie Sarno Owens
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  2. Lauren Richerson
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  3. Caroline E. Murphy
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  4. Anna Jageleweski
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  5. Laura Rossi
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Correspondence to Julie Sarno Owens.

Additional information

An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10566-007-9046-y

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Owens, J.S., Richerson, L., Murphy, C.E. et al. The Parent Perspective: Informing the Cultural Sensitivity of Parenting Programs in Rural Communities. Child Youth Care Forum 36, 179–194 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-007-9041-3

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