A quasi-experimental trial of two court-based parent education programs for high-conflict separated/divorcing families

Abstract

This study evaluated two court-mandated parent education programs utilized in Maricopa County, Arizona— Families in Transition (FIT) and Parent Conflict Resolution (PCR)—for high-conflict separated/divorcing parents. Between December 2022 and June 2023, 214 parents were assigned to FIT or PCR. They were assessed on interparental conflict, emotion regulation, and child outcomes at baseline and one month later, on program acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and usability at posttest. In December 2024, researchers reviewed court records to examine attorneys' fees, hearings, parenting issues, and new filings over time. A marginal group-by-time interaction (p = 0.07) emerged for parent-reported interparental conflict, with only FIT participants reporting a significant reduction from pretest to follow-up. Neither group showed changes in emotion regulation or child outcomes. A significant interaction (p < 0.01) indicated fewer hearings, new issues, and parenting-related disputes for FIT participants over the 18–24 months after program participation compared to before the program. Both programs were highly rated as to acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, or usability. Most parents preferred online delivery, and qualitative feedback suggested areas for improvement alongside positive experiences. Overall, both programs were well-received, but only FIT demonstrated meaningful reductions in interparental and legal conflict.