Perceptions of Triple P-Positive Parenting Program seminars among parents experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Positive parenting has been identified as a potential protective factor for vulnerable children who experience homelessness; unfortunately, many parents experiencing homelessness struggle to provide the consistent warmth and appropriate discipline their children need. This study was designed to examine the opinions of parents residing in shelters about a brief evidence-based parenting seminar, Triple P-Positive Parenting Program. We used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design using quantitative and qualitative methods. In phase I, we analyzed extant quantitative data on parents' satisfaction with Triple P seminars via a survey administered following 66 seminars. Results showed the 284 sheltered parents' ratings of satisfaction were even more positive than ratings of a convenience sample of 128 parents who attended Triple P seminars delivered in agencies that served parents having parenting challenges. In phase II, we explored sheltered parents' views more deeply via qualitative data derived from 16 parents who attended a focus group immediately following three seminars. Results were integrated across methods and indicated that parents held generally positive views of Triple P, but when given the opportunity to discuss the seminars, they recommended many revisions to the content and some revisions to the methods of delivery. Most of their suggestions were made in response to the specific parenting challenges they faced while parenting in a crowded, highly structured shelter environment. Recommendations for adapting seminars for parents living in shelters and suggestions for future research are provided.