A Parent Education Program for Single Fathers’ Parent-Child Relationship in Rural China: A Pretest–Posttest-Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates a parent education program (PEP), a 13-session group intervention, for single fathers’ parental self-efficacy and father-child relationship in rural areas in China. Methods: Through convenience sampling, 16 single fathers received a parental education program for their parental self-efficacy and the father-child relationship between May 30 and August 30, 2020. Results: Most single fathers (14 out of 16) completed all intervention sessions and assessments. Statistically significant improvements were observed for pre-, post-, and follow-up scores for parental self-efficacy, father-child relationship, and certain subdomains of family participation. Conclusions: A group-based parental education program for parental self-efficacy and parent-child relationship shows promise for supporting single fathers from rural areas in China and in improving the wellness of their children.