McMaster University research study to collaborate with Pathstone Mental Health for the betterment of families.
March 24, 2021 [HAMILTON, ON] — With COVID-19 not yet in our rear-view mirror, there has never been a more poignant time to look at strengthening families. The Offord Centre for Child Studies out of McMaster University has collaborated with Pathstone Mental Health to launch a parenting and family support study. The overall goal is to take a closer look at two new parenting programs and get an understanding if families benefit from either, or both.
Both the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP) offer ways for parents and caregivers to develop practical skills, which can help decrease challenging behaviours and emotions in young children, and help, better the families’ relationship. It will also address an important evidence gap – “we want to see which of the programs will benefit families and their children more, and whether these programs are better than existing ones”. Andrea Gonzalez, Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Family Health and Preventive Interventions, Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University.
This project comes at a time when COVID-19 has introduced increased levels of challenges for families.
40 per cent of parents indicated their children’s behaviour/mood had deteriorated and there were findings of extremely high levels of depression among caregivers.
*Offord Centre’s landmark 2020 Ontario Parent Survey.
Research suggests that parenting programs can improve emotional and behavioural adjustment of children and enhance the psychosocial well-being of parents. By taking part in this study, parents/caregivers may find they feel more positive about themselves and caregiving skills and strategies, but also helping other parents/caregivers in the future.
“We are actively looking for families with children aged 2 -6 to enrol in this study, online,” says Gonzalez. If families need technology in order to participate, we can help with that too. In recognition of the time and effort as participants in the study, parents will receive gift cards for completing required interviews.
Interested in participating?
If you are a family with children aged 2-6 and are interested in participating in this study, contact (416) 222-1153.
About Lumenus Community Services
If you need support, or you’re a caregiver to a person of any age in need of help, you just found it. We know your path hasn’t been easy. We know the system has been challenging to navigate. That ends here. At Lumenus, we remove the barriers. We push open the doors that feel heavy. We offer a broad range of high quality mental health, developmental, autism and early years intervention services to children, youth, families, and individuals across Toronto. And the light is always on.
About The Offord Centre for Child Studies
A multi-disciplinary research institute established in 1992. Through collaboration across fields such as child psychiatry, pediatrics, policy development, and social work. The Centre’s aim is to better understand children’s mental health problems with the overall goal of improving the lives of children and youth.
Contact for Questions / Interviews on the study;
Andrea Gonzalez, Associate Professor
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Family Health and Preventive Interventions
McMaster University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences Offord Centre for Child Studies.
p. 905.510.1652 e. gonzal@mcmaster.ca