Abstract
Approximately 50% of first US marriages will end in divorce and the percentage increases for second and multiple remarriages. Therefore, approximately 1 million US children are experiencing the process of divorce each year (Amato, 2010; US Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). Divorce is typically preceded by a significant rise in family tension and conflict (Amato, 2010; Hetherington, 2003; Sarrazin & Cyr, 2007; Sun & Li, 2002; Wallerstein & Blakeslee, 2003). Studies of marital conflict and divorce indicate that regardless of family marital status, the most significant factor influencing negative outcomes for children is exposure to prolonged destructive marital or interparental conflict (Amato, 2010; McCoy, Cummings, & Davies, 2009). Previous intervention research supports the effectiveness of parent education in reducing marital or interparental conflict leading to improvements in children’s internalizing and externalizing adjustments (Cummings, Faircloth, Mitchell, Cummings, & Schermerhorn, 2008; Faircloth & Cummings, 2008; Shapiro & Gottman, 2005). The current project was designed to deliver empirical research regarding the harmful effects of martial or interparental conflict on children’s development, into a clear and accessible parent education program, delivered via a series of podcasts. The podcast delivery system is a convenient and cost effective way to provide educational information for parents. The podcasts are based on an extensive literature review of several theories and frameworks used in marital and interparental conflict research as well as parent education and intervention research (Bowlby, 1988; Cummings & Davies, 2010; Minuchin, 1985). The results of the podcast surveys revealed that audience members found the content and delivery method succinct, comprehensible, and beneficial. Recommendations are made for developing future podcast series. Upon completion and approval of this project the podcasts will be linked to a website, Developing Parents, to disseminate the information to a larger audience and provide more resources and links to further research for parents and families.