Toward the Development of a Comprehensive Couple-Based Parenting Program: A Reanalysis Focusing on the Low-Parenting Group-

Abstract

This study, scheduled to commence in fiscal year 2026 under the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) project entitled “Development of a Couple Parenting Program—Focusing on the Low-Performing Group,” aims to clarify the structural characteristics of couples classified within a low-performing parenting group. This objective will be achieved through a reanalysis of recent empirical data, with particular attention to changes observed before and after the intervention, as well as participants’ qualitative and quantitative feedback on the program. Based on these findings, the existing program will be redesigned to more effectively address individual needs, followed by the initiation of continuous, practice-based research. In the author’s previous research, which sought to promote awareness of “couple parenting,” defined as collaborative childrearing by both parents, an evaluation instrument (the Couple Parenting Awareness Scale) and accompanying program worksheets were developed to assess intervention effectiveness. However, the presence of a subgroup whose awareness scores remained low despite program participation became evident. The most recent survey was conducted between June and September 2025. Participants comprised 473 couples with preschool-aged children drawn from all 47 prefectures of Japan who provided informed consent. Assessments conducted before and after the intervention employed validated scales measuring “New Male Roles,” “Collaboration–Functionality,” and “Perception of Couple Parenting.” In addition, participants reported their impressions and emotional responses to the program using a dichotomous (yes/no) format, while open-ended responses were collected regarding the program worksheets. A total of 247 valid responses were obtained, yielding data from 494 individuals, including spouses. The mean age of husbands was 35.7 ± 4.1 years, and that of wives was 34.6 ± 3.8 years; the mean spousal age difference was 2.2 ± 2.8 years. The average duration of marriage was 8.1 ± 3.0 years, and the mean number of children per household was 1.7 ± 0.7. Regression analysis indicated that the factor most strongly associated with classification into the low-performing group was participants’ “approach to the initiative.” Specifically, the odds ratios were 3.086 for respondents who indicated that they were not able to tackle the program as a couple, and 8.900 for those who reported that they were not able to act while being mindful of the program content. The absence of these behavioral changes significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the low-performing group. Furthermore, frequent experiences of negative emotions, such as irritation, anger, dissatisfaction, emptiness, and sadness, in relation to the program, along with high levels of domineering behavior (a negative dimension of collaboration functionality), were also identified as significant risk factors. Based on these results, a tailored intervention program specifically designed for individuals in the low-performing group will be developed, implemented, and systematically evaluated. Tip: Flow & Transition: To create an easy flow of ideas, transition words, such as, however, therefore, moreover, etc. can be used. This usage enhances coherence of ideas in the paragraph and the manuscript on the whole.