The “Making the Race Fair” study is currently recruiting participants – Hamilton families with children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old.
Some young children have emotions and behaviours that are challenging or problematic for families (often referred to as “the terrible twos and beyond”). Children may have temper tantrums because they are feeling upset and frustrated, or they may “act out” in other ways. Dr. Teresa Bennett and her team are conducting a research study to test whether a program called the “Family Check-Up” can help decrease challenging behaviours and emotions in young children. The Family Check-Up has helped thousands of families in the United States, but it has not yet been tested in Canada and we want to know if it will also help Canadian families.
If you are interested in the study, we will set up a phone call to tell you more about the study, and do a telephone screening interview to find out if you are eligible to take part. For families who are eligible and decide to take part, the study will include the following:
- An initial visit (approximately 2 ½ hours)
- A brief (5 minute) phone call at 3 months
- A brief 6-month visit (approximately 1 hour)
- A brief (5 minute) phone call at 9 months
- A 12-month visit (approximately 2 ½ hours)
Each study visit will involve questionnaires and activities (like games) that we will video-record. All study visits can take place at your home or at the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (depending on your preference). Gift cards will be provided at study visits to thank you for your time.
At the two brief phone calls, your contact information will be confirmed and you will be asked about services in the community you have recently used.
Families in the study will be randomly assigned (like a flip of a coin) to one of two groups:
- Family Check-Up group: families in this group will receive the Family Check-Up
- Control group: families in this group will not receive the Family Check-Up, but will be provided with a list of services that may be helpful.
Families in the Family Check-Up group will also have a minimum of 2 visits with a Family Check-Up coach, who is a trained child therapist or family worker.
If you have a child between 2-4 years of age and are interested in learning more about the study, please contact the study coordinator, Julie Gross (or call 905-525-9140, ext. 27066.