Disciplina Preventiva to Reduce Parental Practices Related to Child Abuse in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Inadequate parenting practices related to coercion, love withdrawal, and control, have been associated to child abuse risk factors. Meanwhile, adequate parental practices related to loving expressions, firmness, and consistency have been identified as protective factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Disciplina Preventiva parental formation program to promote adequate parental practices and to discourage inadequate parental practices related to child abuse risk. A secondary data analysis was held, with a sample of 301 participants. The results showed a significant change in the total score of the pre vs. post of parental practices and in the inadequate parental practices. Meanwhile no significant change in the pre vs post adequate parental practices were observed. Work status predicted a statistically significant proportion of the change between parenting practices reported by program participants. Findings suggest the importance of the implementation of parental programs among child abuse risk populations, particularly those populations experimenting stressors such as work status. Additional investigation is encouraged to improve the program so that it can be implemented among diverse groups in Puerto Rico.