About this poster

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Panel information
Panel 4. Families, Parenting, and Relationships

Abstract

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Examining the effectiveness of a program for families of African descent, particularly those at risk for racism and discrimination, is crucial in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase, in which is important to support families so that children’s rights are not put at risk, considering the already difficult conditions due to the health emergency (Conejo et al., 2020). Tailoring interventions to address the specific needs of each family and strengthening their existing skills and resources is essential. Cultivating prosocial development within these families is crucial, because prosocial behaviors can strengthen positive relationships encouraging cooperative behaviors not only within the family unit but also in interactions with individuals outside the family. Parents contribute significantly to shaping the emotional climate and disciplinary norms within the home, subsequently influencing overall family dynamics (Bornstein, 2013), and thus affecting children’s prosocial tendencies. The unique challenges faced by families from African descent, including the heightened risk of racism and discrimination, necessitate targeted interventions. The post-pandemic recovery phase amplifies the importance of these interventions, as families grapple with the aftermath of the global health crisis. By specifically focusing on supporting families, we aim not only to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic but also to create an environment where children's rights are protected.
In the context of parenting styles, characterized by parental warmth and control, parental warmth signifies the inclination of parents to respond affectionately, and parental control encompasses both psychological and behavioral efforts to exert a restraining influence on their children (Grolnick, 2003). However, obtaining a balance between warmth and control, while respecting children's autonomy, poses challenges for families. Maintaining an appropriate equilibrium between the two dimensions becomes elusive, leading to either excessive permissiveness or undue restriction. This imbalance can create hurdles, hindering the establishment of a positive family environment. Examining the effectiveness of interventions tailored for families facing the heightened risks of racism and discrimination contributes significantly to our comprehension of family dynamics and child development. This investigation adds a vital layer of understanding and relevance to the broader discourse, offering insights into the intricacies of supporting families in challenging environments. Moreover, these interventions serve as a protective shield, mitigating the deleterious effects of racism and discrimination on families. By delving into their efficacy, we not only enhance our understanding of the nuanced interplay between societal challenges and family well-being but also pave the way for informed strategies to safeguard families from the adverse impacts of such pervasive issues.
Families were presented an intervention of 12 weeks, (one 2 hour-session per week) with parents and children focus on topics such as: parenting, positive discipline, child protection and navigating the cultural influences of violence, aggression, and discrimination. Participants were 9 families from the Caribbean of Costa Rica, specifically Matina County, where the population is mostly of African-Costa Rican origin and 12 families from the city of Heredia, where individuals are primarily of White-Costa Rican origin. We evaluated parents’ parental practices at the beginning and at the end of the intervention (Sleddens et al., 2014), as well as children’s prosocial tendencies (Carlo & Randall, 2001). We complement these quantitative measures with qualitative insights obtained through individual in-depth interviews with parents and focus group discussions with children. As we are currently in the process of data collection and analysis, our two primary aims are a) to analyze the efficacy of the intervention and b) to compare the effectiveness of the program across the two family groups. These analyses will not only shed light on the effectiveness of the intervention but also contribute valuable insights into potential protective effects of the intervention for vulnerable African heritage families who reside in Costa Rica.

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