DOI: 10.3886/icpsr37126.v1
title: Outcome Evaluation of Parents Anonymous, United States, 2003-2004
title: Version 1

description: These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed. 'Parents Anonymous' is a self-help group aimed at strengthening families and reducing child maltreatment outcomes. This study assessed whether parent's participation in the program was associated with child maltreatment outcomes and with their change in risk and protective factors. The study contains both qualitative and quantitative data. For the quantitative segment, group facilitators completed a survey at the beginning of the study. Through these surveys facilitators provided information regarding their level of education, how they heard about their positions, whether they were paid workers or volunteers, and more. Following the completion of facilitator surveys, 206 parents new to the 'Parents Anonymous' program were interviewed. The first interview took place 1 month into the program and the third 6 months later. Parents were asked about their demographics, their living situations, parenting style, and stressors in their lives. In the qualitative segment 36 parents from two states participating in the Spanish-language 'Parents Anonymous' groups were assessed with semi-structured in-person and over the phone interviews. The interviews were conducted once at the beginning of the program, 1 month into the program, and again at 6 months. Additional qualitative data was collected through group observations and focus groups.
description: The purpose of this study was to assess whether parent participation in the Parents Anonymous program was associated with child maltreatment outcomes and their change in risk and protective factors.
description: This was a two-tiered study with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. For the quantitative section group facilitators were given a survey to complete regarding their: education, nature of their position, whether or not they are paid or volunteers. In this questionnaire no information was collected regarding the Parents Anonymous program. Facilitators would then disperse a group assessment survey to gather information on variables including: leadership, mutual support, and demographics. The survey was provided in both English and Spanish and was designed to measure factors related to theoretical philosophy of Parents Anonymous. The survey was given one month into the program and again at 6 months. Maton's Mutual Support Scale was used to evaluate responses. For the qualitative portion of the study, three individual phone interviews were conducted. The first interview happened at the very beginning of the program followed by a 1 month phone interview and finally an interview 6 months into the program.
description: This study contains 3 data files. The first file contains 8 variables and 59 cases. Some of the variables in this file include: Group facilitator level of education, source of funding for facilitator position, how facilitators heard about Parents Anonymous. The second file contains 158 variables and 583 cases. Some of the variables in this file include: Do you feel supported by the group?, How do you contribute to the group?, How many times have you been to these meetings?, How many children do you have?, How old are they?, what is your race?The third file has 2212 variables and 206 cases. Some examples of variables within the file are: How many children do you have?, Who do your children live with?, employment status?, How much income do you bring to the household?, Have you ever struggled with addiction?, Do you ever struggle with mental illness?, If so how do you cope?.
description: Presence of Common Scales: Several Likert-type scales were used, and a variety of named scales related to parenting, life stress, conflict, quality of life, social support, alcohol and drug use, non-violent discipline tactics, and family assessment.
description: A two-tiered sampling strategy was used: group level and individual level. The Parents Anonymous, Inc. national office provided contact information for all active groups across the country. Eligible group members were contacted via the group facilitator and asked to complete the assessment. Groups whose group facilitators and members agreed to participate were assessed with the group assessment questionnaire at two points.
description: Datasets: DS0: Study-Level Files DS1: PA Facilitator Group Assessment - FGA Data DS2: PA Group Assessment 54 Groups DS3: PA Parent T1-T3 Merged Data
description: Parents involved in the Parents Anonymous program. Smallest Geographic Unit: state
description: face-to-face interview; paper and pencil interview (PAPI)