Denise J. Brandon

Longitudinal Program Evaluation of “Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting”

A program evaluation was conducted of a parent education program for divorcing parents of minor children. Using a retrospective post-then-pre design, 139 participants reported their knowledge before and after the program and their behaviors in the month prior to the program. Two-month follow-up interviews were used to assess behavior change. Results indicated that participants reported both knowledge gain and behavior change. Change in triangulation avoidance behavior (behaviors to keep children out of the middle of conflict) varied as a function of parenting stage. Knowledge gain regarding the impact of divorce and triangulation on children predicted behavior change in triangulation avoidance. Results are discussed, including recommendations for the program evaluated as well as suggestions for other parenting education programs for divorcing parents.

The practices, populations, and programs of parent educators in Tennessee

This manuscript utilizes data from a telephone survey of 312 parent educators across the state of Tennessee to inform research and service efforts of a university-based parenting center. Specifically, we investigated (a) techniques used to disseminate parenting information, (b) specialized populations targeted, (c) curricula used as well as the evidentiary basis of those curricula, and (d) parent educator training and education, all at both state and within-state regional levels. Overall, results indicated that classes were generally available for individuals in various specialized populations, and a range of techniques were utilized to reach parents. Additionally, a variety of curricula were in use by relatively well-trained professionals. Results suggested several areas in which the resources of the university could be directed toward supporting the efforts of parenting educators in Tennessee. University faculty elsewhere are encouraged to similarly connect with front-line parent educators, gather data, and initiate services to help them help others.

Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome Evaluation of a Multiple-Setting Program

Abusive head trauma, including shaken baby syndrome, is a serious form of abuse that often results in lifelong developmental challenges or infant death. Educational programs have helped reduce the number of infants hospitalized due to abusive head trauma. The current study provides a process evaluation of Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee’s Shaken Baby Prevention Project. We utilized survey data from (a) 189 trained professionals who delivered the program to new parents in either the hospital or home-visiting setting and (b) 5,565 new mothers who participated in the program in one of those two settings (n = 5,416 hospital setting; n = 149 home-visiting setting). Results suggest that Shaken Baby Prevention Project facilitator training was effective, and the intervention was well-received by mothers in both the home and hospital settings. Furthermore, shaken baby syndrome information should be provided in both home and hospital settings because each provided access to a different population.