ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews evidence supporting the notion that parent and family development crucially affects the development of the child. It discusses parent and family variables, and identifies specific measures and instruments that can be used in evaluating parent outcomes. The chapter presents two categories of parent variables; descriptive characteristics of parents and families; and parent characteristics considered to be targets of intervention. If programs providing family support and education on the ecological model are to be fully evaluated, assessment of parent development must be incorporated into the evaluation procedure. Examples of variables used as targets of intervention, often called dependent variables, include attitudes, behavior, knowledge, and self-development. A final recommendation concerns the extent to which both fathers and mothers are involved with an intervention program. Many programs seek to educate parents about child development or about specific behaviors, problems, or issues.