The effects of a parent education program on family cohesion and adaptability

There are many programs designed to increase family functioning as well as several theoretically-based programs of parent education. Little research has been done using an assessment of family structure to determine the efficacy of parent education programs. Most outcome studies focus on specifics such as changes in child behavior or parent attitudes, and do not examine the effect of the program on overall family functioning. This study investigates the relationship between family structure and participation in a parent education program, specifically, looking at family systems level changes associated with participating in a parent education program called Family Wellness.;Ninety-two participants in a parent education program were studied prior to beginning the program and just after completing the program. The specific areas examined were family adaptability, cohesion, and family type (extreme, mid-range, or balanced), as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III, Olson, Portner, & Lavee, 1985). The study also examined the relationship between family status (single parent families and intact families) and change in family functioning. Fifty-nine subjects completed the test in English and thirty-three completed the test in Spanish.;Post-adaptability scores differed significantly by language (English and Spanish). Results indicated a significantly greater level of adaptability following the Family Wellness program for subjects who completed the test in the English form but not in the Spanish form. There was not a significant increase found in levels of cohesion with either the English or Spanish form. Family structure (single parent vs. intact families) had no effect on change, once variance associated with pre-test scores and language was removed.