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Abstract
Background The Signposts program is an evidence-based intervention system for parents of children with intellectual disability and problem behaviours. This study provided an initial investigation of the outcomes for mothers associated with father participation in Signposts, using data collected from the Signposts Statewide project, conducted in Victoria, Australia.
Method Data from Signposts Statewide were analysed, with the effect size Cohen’s d and 95% confidence interval around d calculated for pre- to post-program changes for 134 mothers who participated in Signposts with fathers and 483 mothers who participated without fathers.
Results Although mothers in both groups benefitted from the program, as evidenced by pre- to post-program improvements across all measures, the mean effect size was notably larger for mothers who participated in Signposts with fathers.
Conclusions These results highlight possible further program benefits for mothers who participate in Signposts with fathers, and are of particular significance in light of research describing the increased stress experienced by mothers of children with a disability.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the involvement of the families and practitioners who participated in this study. This paper was derived from the first author’s PhD research.
Author note
Signposts was developed by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University and the Parenting Research Centre (PRC). Funding for the Signposts Statewide project was provided by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the Victorian State Government Department of Human Services. The funding bodies have not placed any restrictions on access to or publication of the research data.
Conflict of interest: None.