Helping Families Help Themselves? Heterogeneous Effects of a Digital Parenting Program
Researchers
Sofia Amaral; Lelys Dinarte; Patricio Dominguez; Santiago M. Perez-Vincent
Abstract
Using an individual-level experiment with male and female caregivers of young children in El Salvador, we evaluate the impact of a free digital stress management and positive parenting intervention. We find that, for males, the intervention increased stress and anxiety and lowered caregiver-child interactions. The effect on males is concentrated among the poorer and those residing with a partner. In contrast, women’s mental health was not impacted. Yet, their use of physical violence toward children decreased by 18 percent. Our results align with theories linking economic deprivation and family structure to caregivers’ cognitive overload and mental health.
Project Outcomes of Interest
Caregiver mental health, behavior, and quality of interactions with children
Partners
Key Findings
For males, the intervention increased stress and anxiety and lowered caregiver-child interactions. The effect on males is concentrated among the poorer and those residing with a partner. In contrast, women’s mental health was not impacted. Yet, their use of physical violence toward children decreased by 18 percent. Our results align with theories linking economic deprivation and family structure to caregivers’ cognitive overload and mental health.
Impact Goals
- Improve social-safety net responses
- Improve women’s health, safety, and economic empowerment
- Keep children safe, healthy, and learning
- Promote peace and safety, and improve humanitarian response
Project Data Collection Mode
- CAPI (Computer-assisted personal interviewing)
- CATI (Computer-assisted telephone interviewing)
Link to Pre-Registration
https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/7096
Results Status
Results