< Press Releases
Two Families Now
Published: 2009-07-14
Online Program Teaches Parents How to Buffer the Impact of Divorce on their Children
IRIS Media Inc. Now Recruiting Parents to Help Field Test and Finalize Development
Eugene, Ore. -- July 14, 2009 -- When families are split apart, often it’s the children who pay the biggest price. Separation and divorce can lead to feelings of loss, stress, guilt, anxiety and other intense emotions for children. For an already taxed parent, dealing with a child’s emotional distress can seem like an overwhelming prospect.
IRIS Media Inc., a media development and behavioral research firm based in Eugene, Ore., is offering a unique opportunity to parents who are navigating their way through the separation and divorce transition. The firm is seeking parents to evaluate “Two Families Now: Effective Parenting during Separation and Divorce,” a new program that aims to support the health and well-being of parents and children across the U.S.
“There are few practical, accessible, research-informed training resources for supporting the healthy adjustment of children from divorced families,” said Laura Jones, Ph.D, a developmental psychologist and co-investigator of the program. “This, in spite of the fact that over one million children in the U.S. experience family divorce each year.”
By evaluating IRIS Media’s program, parents will learn some effective skills to help protect themselves and their children from the stresses of separation and divorce and to strengthen ongoing relationships. The program is funded by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Because the program is in development, it’s absolutely free for participating parents. In fact, parents will receive up to $150 for participating in the study. The results will be used to help other parents and the study is completely confidential. Those interested in participating can review eligibility requirements and complete an application by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ptdonline.
All that’s required of parents is a five-hour time commitment. Parents can participate on their own schedule, using IRIS Media’s online videos, podcasts, interactive exercises, discussion forums, printable handouts and journals.
“We hope to give separating and divorcing parents the tools that will ease their stress and equip them to improve the outcomes for their children,” Jones said. “Although there is great diversity in children’s post-divorce adjustment, the negative effects can be significant and persistent. Fortunately, there are a number of practical steps parents can take that make a huge difference in children’s adjustment.”
The program teaches adults how to handle parental stress, parental conflict, and how to engage in effective parenting practices. The program also offers perspectives on children’s developmental needs, on learning practical skills, and on satisfying court-mandated parent-education requirements.
“The National Institutes of Health has funded this research project because they have identified divorce as a significant risk factor in family health and well-being,” Jones said. “Their hope and ours as well, is to learn more about how parenting can help protect children and parents from the stress of separation and divorce.”
About “Two Families Now: Effective Parenting During Separation and Divorce”
An online program designed to help lessen the impacts of divorce on children, “Two Families Now: Effective Parenting during Separation and Divorce” is being developed by the media development and behavioral research firm IRIS Media Inc. The program is funded by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Once completed, the program will help separating and divorcing parents protect and support their children through the divorce transition. For more information visit www.lookiris.com/research/current_projects/
About IRIS Media Inc.
Based in Eugene, Ore., IRIS Media Inc. is a media development and behavioral research firm that was started in 1999. The firm was founded with the intention of bringing research-based professional development to K-12 school staff and all educators, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, direct support staff, parent educators and parents. IRIS Media collaborates with leading educators and researchers on important topics to create video-based curriculums on DVD and online. For more information, visit www.lookiris.com and www.irisedonline.com
Contact: Sherrie Bandy, IRIS Media, sbandy@lookiris.com; Nell Caraway, IRIS Media, nell@lookIRIS.com (877) 343-4747; Monica Shovlin, The Ulum Group, (541) 434-7028, mshovlin@ulum.com
###
Author: Monica Shovlin
