ABSTRACT

New parenthood is demanding and can negatively impact socially, emotionally and financially on family members particularly those already experiencing stress due to poverty or hardship, mental illness or isolation. Vulnerable parents are at risk of lower self-efficacy in parenting and less positive relationships with their children. Sing&Grow is a federally funded music therapy programme utilizing group parent–child music therapy sessions, aimed at reducing the impact of adversity and improving child future trajectories. In this interview study, ten Sing&Grow participants from across Australia discussed their experiences of the Sing&Grow programme and the influence upon their family life. Participants perceived that the programme had developed their confidence as parents by increasing their knowledge in child development and parenting skills. Improved parental self-efficacy appeared to translate into enhanced family relationships. While Sing&Grow targets vulnerable parents, these findings suggest the programme may be valuable for all new parents.

摘要

新的父母身份要求很高，可能会对家庭成员的社会、情感和经济产生负面影响，尤其是那些已经因贫困或困难、精神疾病或孤立而承受压力的家庭成员。弱势父母在养育子女方面的自我效能感较低，与孩子的关系也较不积极。Sing&Grow 是一项由联邦政府资助的音乐治疗计划，利用团体亲子音乐治疗课程，旨在减少逆境的影响并改善儿童的未来轨迹。在这项访谈研究中，来自澳大利亚各地的十名 Sing&Grow 参与者讨论了他们对 Sing&Grow 计划的体验以及对他们家庭生活的影响。参与者认为，该计划通过增加他们对儿童发展和育儿技能的了解，增强了他们作为父母的信心。提高父母的自我效能似乎转化为增强的家庭关系。虽然 Sing&Grow 针对弱势父母，但这些调查结果表明该计划可能对所有新父母都很有价值。