Feasibility Evaluation of a Parenting Group for Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Background/Purpose: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive concern among Latina women in the U.S. associated with numerous adverse outcomes (e.g., health concerns, financial insecurity). For Latinas experiencing IPV in the context of motherhood, research indicates that the negative consequences of IPV may impact their ability to parent to their full capacity, suggesting a need for parenting supports. IPV parenting interventions have been found to improve maternal mental health, parenting, and child well-being. However, there is a dearth of research focused on the development and evaluation of IPV parenting programs for Latina survivors, particularly Spanish-speaking survivors. To address this gap, the current study sought to examine the feasibility of a community-developed 8-week parenting program for Spanish-speaking Latina survivors. Guided by Bowen and colleagues’ (2009) feasibility framework, the study aimed to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the need for the parenting program?; (2) Is the parenting program content acceptable?; and (3) Is the parenting program delivery feasible?

Methods: To investigate the feasibility of the 8-week parenting program for Latina IPV survivors, we examined administrative data (e.g., attendance), conducted focus groups with participants (N=17), and conducted individual interviews with program facilitators (N=4). Program participants and facilitators were eligible if they had participated in or facilitated the program during the first year of its implementation. During this time, the program was facilitated with three different cohorts of Latina mothers. The focus group and interview data were independently analyzed by two coders applying a content analysis approach using ATLAS.ti, and multiple strategies to enhance rigor (e.g., audit trail, negative case analysis).

Findings: Of the 40 women initially recruited during the first year, 20 enrolled into the program. The number of participants in any given session ranged from three to seven (M=4.83, SD=1.05), and the number of sessions attended by each participant ranged from one to eight (M=5.80, SD=1.70). Qualitative findings centered on (a) demand, (b) acceptability, and (c) implementation/practicality. Participants identified a number of needs influencing the demand for this program, including support related to information, connection, and well-being. Overall, both participants and facilitators reported satisfaction with the content and cultural relevance of the program, attributing various positive life changes to the program (e.g., improved parenting skills, IPV knowledge, and social support). Although the group size and space were described as appropriate, both participants and facilitators suggested a need for more and longer sessions, despite initial hesitance regarding enrollment into an 8-week program. Participants and facilitators also provided recommendations for enhancing the program content and delivery.

Conclusions/Implications: Study findings highlight the need for accessible and culturally appropriate parenting support for Latina IPV survivors, as well as the feasibility of a community-developed program.

Despite data suggesting participants were sometimes unable to attend group and had initial hesitancy, findings on the desire for more and longer sessions suggest a critical need to identify additional strategies to deliver the content and foster connection without increasing burden. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programming, along with potential core components and moderators.