An assessment of parent's beliefs about child development among families participating in the Comprehensive Health Investment Project

Abstract

Extensive research suggests linkages among low income, erratic or ineffective parenting behaviors, and impaired health and development among children. Family support programs, offering a range of comprehensive services to low income families, have demonstrated positive health and life performance outcomes, both for children and parents. One such program, the Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) in Roanoke, Virginia, works to provide primary physician care to low income young children. One of CHIP's objectives is to enhance parenting skills so that parents can help maintain good health among their children.

This study attempted to assess parents' beliefs about child development among a sample of CHIP parents and a sample of parents from a similar SES group (drawn from CHIP's waiting list) using a Likert-style opinionnaire. Results from both between-group tests and within-group (CHIP sample) tests indicate homogenous and favorable reported beliefs about child development. Very little association was found between demographic variables and responses. Suggestions regarding the practical use of these findings and recommendations for future research are made.