Social media and gamification: Engaging vulnerable parents in an online evidence-based parenting program.

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility (accessibility, engagement and impact) of adding social media and gaming features (e.g., social sharing with anonymity, badges to incentivize skills practice, an accredited facilitator for support) and access via smartphones to an evidenced-based parenting program, Triple P Online. The highly vulnerable population included 155 disadvantaged, high-risk parents (e.g., 76% had a family annual income of less than $15,000; 41% had been incarcerated; 38% were in drug/alcohol treatment; and 24% had had a child removed due to maltreatment). The ethnic groups most commonly identified were African American (24%) and Hispanic (66%). Respondents were primarily mothers (86%) from five community programs in Los Angeles. The study used a single group repeated measures design (pre, post, 6-month follow-up). Data collected included standardized self-report measures, post-intervention focus groups and interviews, website usage reports, and Google Analytics. Significant multivariate ANOVA time effects were found, demonstrating reductions in child behavioral problems, reduced lax/permissive and over-reactive parenting, and decreased parental stress. No effects were found for parental confidence, attributions, or depression and anxiety (which were in the normal range at baseline). Positive effects were maintained or improved at 6-month follow-up. The participants engaged in the online community and valued its flexibility, anonymity, and shared learning. This foundational implementation trial provides support for future rigorous evaluation of social media and gaming features as a medium for increasing parental engagement in evidence-based parenting programs online--a public health approach to protect and improve the development of vulnerable children.

Posttraumatic symptoms and disability in paramedics.

OBJECTIVE: The concern that secondary gain may result in an overreporting of trauma symptoms in those seeking compensation or taking stress leave from work has raised questions about the relation between posttraumatic stress and disability. This study attempts to examines the relation between traumatic stress symptoms and the use of work leave in an anonymous sample of emergency-service workers who are not currently seeking compensation. METHOD: A total of 86 paramedics completed questionnaires that addressed exposure to traumatic events, use of mental health stress leave, social support, current level of distress, and personality patterns. Comparisons were made between groups who had used mental health stress (MHS) leave and those who had not. Logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of using leaves. RESULTS: Current levels of social support were associated with previous use of mental health stress leave. In addition, significantly more individuals who had taken MHS leave in the past reported posttraumatic stress symptoms in the high or severe range. People with personality patterns characterized by suspiciousness, hostility, and isolation and having a tendency toward demanding, controlling, and manipulative behaviour in relationships were also more likely to have taken an MHS leave. CONCLUSION: Although social support and trauma symptoms were associated with the use of MHS leave, in this study, personality style was the strongest factor differentiating those individuals who took MHS leave from those who did not.