A review of Australian Government funding of parenting intervention research

Sophie S. Havighurst*, Carys Chainey, Frances L. Doyle, Daryl J. Higgins, Ben Mathews, Trevor G. Mazzucchelli, Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck, Karl Andriessen, Vanessa E. Cobham, Donna Cross, Mark R. Dadds, Sharon Dawe, Kylie M. Gray, Adam J. Guastella, Paul Harnett, Divna M. Haslam, Christel M. Middeldorp, Alina Morawska, Jeneva L. Ohan, Matthew R. SandersHelen M. Stallman, Bruce J. Tonge, John W. Toumbourou, Karen M.T. Turner, Kate E. Williams, Marie B.H. Yap, Jan M. Nicholson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives: Parenting is central to children's optimal development and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in child outcomes, including up to 40% of child mental health. Parenting is also one of the most modifiable, proximal, and direct factors for preventing and treating a range of children's problems and enhancing wellbeing. To determine the effectiveness of new approaches to parenting intervention, and to evaluate how to optimise reach and uptake, sufficient funding must be allocated for high quality research.

Method: We reviewed funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) for parenting intervention research during 2011–2020.

Results: Parenting intervention research received 0.25% of the NHMRC and ARC research budgets.

Conclusions: There is a substantial mismatch between the funding of parenting intervention research and the impact of improved parenting on short- and long-term child outcomes. To rectify this, it is critical that Australian Government funding schemes include parenting interventions as priority areas for funding. Implications for public health: Changes in allocation of funding to parenting research will support the establishment of evidence for the effective development, implementation and dissemination of parenting interventions to maximise health outcomes for children and their families.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)262-268
Number of pages7
JournalAustralian and New Zealand journal of public health
Volume46
Issue number3
Early online date18 Apr 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors.

Keywords

  • child
  • parent
  • parenting
  • parenting interventions
  • research funding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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