Parent education: a descriptive study of the systematic training for effective parenting program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of parent education with specific reference to the "STEP" program. A sample of 67 "STEP" program purchasers responded to the survey. Information was secured from the "STEP" group leaders via a 56-item questionnaire. Data was with reference to the following: characteristics of leaders and participants, conditions under which programs are being offered, and evaluation of the program based on the experiences of the leaders. The study revealed that most groups utilized one leader, who was typically a 34-year-old female married parent with college related course work in parent education. The average group size was 12.4 members, who were typically white females around 30 years of age who had completed high school. The majority of "STEP" programs were offered at a local school during the evening hours. The majority of leaders reported their programs as "highly successful." Drawbacks of the study included small sample size and the fact that group leaders were asked to respond for participants, rather than direct responses.