A Longitudinal Evaluation of Family Initiatives in Ontario

Principal: Katherine Boydell and John Trainor
Location: Toronto

This project will combine quantitative and qualitative techniques in a longitudinal evaluation of family support groups predicated on community support principles rather than diagnostic considerations. Data will be collected over a two-year period. The primary objectives of the research are:

• evaluate the impact of participation in self-help/mutual aid on family members
• examine how experiences in the program (i.e., social support, involvement, empowering processes) contribute to impact
• examine tasks, processes, and critical issues in the development and evolution of these organizations as they relate to systems-impacts

Outcome variables will include measures of individual and organizational empowerment, social support, caregiver burden, and coping.