Reflections on Theory and Outcome Measures for Fatherhood Programs
Apr 2015 | Jay Fagan & Rebecca KaufmanJay Fagan & Rebecca Kaufman (2015). Reflections on Theory and Outcome Measures for Fatherhood Programs. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 96(2), 135-142.
DOI: 10.1606/1044-3894.2015.96.19
Abstract: Responsible fatherhood programs have proliferated in the United States during the past several decades, yet few studies have been conducted of their effects on fathers and children. Evaluation of these programs requires attention to 2 questions that have not been adequately addressed: What are the specific outcomes expected from fathers’ participation in programs, and how do we measure those outcomes? In this article, we suggest 3 theoretical frameworks for fatherhood programs: attachment theory, family systems theory, and the risk–resilience perspective. Promising outcome measures and the need to develop new measures are discussed.
© 2024 Fatherhood Research & Practice Network. All Rights Reserved.
The Fatherhood Research and Practice Network was created with support from grant #90PR0006 (2013-2019) from the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are solely the responsibility of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network, Temple University and the Center for Policy Research and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.