Meta‐analysis of the Effectiveness of Resident Fathering Programs: Are Family Life Educators Interested in Fathers?

Keywords

family life education, fatherhood, meta-analysis, program evaluation

Abstract

Using meta‐analysis, we reviewed the effectiveness of resident fathering education programs. Our review identified 16 studies with over 200 reported effect sizes. Results revealed a significant overall effect size of d = .26, with specific significant outcomes ranging from d = .14 to d = .61. Studies with father‐only reports produced significantly larger effects than multiple‐reporter studies; studies with no‐treatment control groups produced larger effects than studies with minimal‐treatment comparison groups. A lack of long‐term follow‐up evaluation limited our ability to examine the strength of these effects over time. Although there is some reason for optimism, more fathering education program research is needed. Indeed, the dearth of work in this area may be the most important finding of this meta‐analysis.

Original Publication Citation

Holmes, E. K., Galovan, A., Yoshida, K., & Hawkins, A. J. (2010). Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of resident fathering programs: Are family life educators interested in fathers? Family Relations, 59, 240-252.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2010-07-08

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7039

Publisher

Family Relations

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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