An impact and feasibility evaluation of a six-week (nine hour) active play intervention on fathers’ engagement with their preschool children: a feasibility study

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the benefits of father involvement with their children and a link between uninvolved fatherhood and societal problems. Children's Centres (n = 15) received 6 × 90-minute active play sessions designed to foster 6 aspects of parental engagement. Fathers’ engagement and attitudes to child physical activity were measured pre- and post-intervention via questionnaire. Acceptability of the intervention was explored through participant and staff focus groups. Results showed no effect on overall time fathers spent with their child during the week (t (36) = 0.178, p = 0.860) and the weekend (t (36) = 1.166, p = 0.252). Qualitative results demonstrated the sessions provided opportunities for fathers to spend quality time with their children. Parenting self-efficacy increased across the subscale control, t (36) = −2.97, p = 0.04. Fathers increased awareness of their role in motivating their child to play (z = −2.46, p = 0.01). Further longitudinal research is recommended.

Keywords:

• fathers’ engagement
• childcare settings
• parenting programmes
• active play
• parenting self-efficacy

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the children, fathers, and CC staff involved in this study. We would also like to thank Jan Gallagher and Ruth Haig-Ferguson (formerly) from Liverpool City Council, Neil Thomas from Fazakerley Children's Centre, and Jumping Jacks ABC as the delivery partner for the project and Liverpool John Moores University for their contribution. This study was funded by Liverpool City Council.

Notes on contributors

Laura J. Houghton is currently a PhD student exploring the impact of family structure on physical activity and health at Edge Hill University. She was formerly employed as a Research Officer at Liverpool John Moores University until September 2013.

Mareesa O'Dwyer is a post-doctoral researcher for the National Early Years Access Initiative at Early Childhood Ireland.

Lawrence Foweather is a post-doctoral researcher at Liverpool John Moores University within the Physical Activity Exchange. As part of his role, Lawrence also undertakes coordination, research, teaching, and consultancy activities in physical activity, and health and exercise science.

Paula Watson is a lecturer/senior lecturer in Exercise and Health Psychology in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University within the Physical Activity Exchange. Dr Watson is also a HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist.

Simon Alford is a researcher at the Centre for Public Health Research at Chester University.

Zoe Knowles is a Reader in Sports and Exercise Psychology within the Physical Activity Exchange at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Knowles is also a HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist.