A group-based parenting intervention for First Nations dads may improve important indicators of their social and emotional well-being, with the Enabling Dads intervention group showing notably but not significantly higher scores on theoretically germane SEWB items compared to controls.
Key Findings
Results
No significant baseline differences were found between the control and intervention groups prior to the Enabling Dads intervention.
The study enrolled 68 adult First Nations men across three remote Aboriginal communities in Far North Queensland, Australia.
Baseline comparability was assessed across all variables for both groups.
Groups were described as 'comparable at baseline,' supporting the validity of post-intervention comparisons.
The randomised controlled feasibility trial design was used to test intervention effectiveness.
Results
Post-intervention, the Enabling Dads group showed notably but not significantly higher scores on several social and emotional well-being indicators compared to the control group.
Improvements were observed on 'theoretically germane items' including feeling more energetic, having a sense of belonging in the community, more confidence, feeling centred and focused, and experiencing less anger.
Differences were described as 'notable' but did not reach statistical significance.
Outcome measures included the Indigenous Growth and Empowerment Measure and the Kessler 6 Distress Scale (K6).
The study was characterized as a feasibility trial, suggesting it was not powered to detect statistically significant differences.
Results
Qualitative data from the intervention group provided confirmatory and new insights that strengthened the quantitatively indicated benefits of the Enabling Dads program.
Qualitative data were collected specifically from the intervention group.
The qualitative findings were described as providing 'confirmatory and new insights' beyond what the quantitative measures captured.
The mixed methods design was used to triangulate findings from both quantitative and qualitative sources.
The qualitative component was described as strengthening the case for benefits men gained from the ED program.
Methods
The Enabling Dads intervention was a First Nations designed and led men's parenting and social and emotional well-being program delivered in remote communities.
The intervention was conducted in three remote Aboriginal communities in Far North Queensland, Australia.
The program was specifically designed and led by First Nations people, distinguishing it from externally imposed interventions.
The target population was adult male parents (dads), a demographic described as 'specific and neglected' and at 'substantially higher than average risk for mental disorders, trauma, and suicide.'
The intervention is referred to as 'Enabling Dads (ED)' and is described as group-based.
Background
Australian First Nations men represent a neglected demographic group at substantially higher than average risk for mental disorders, trauma, and suicide.
The paper characterizes First Nations men as a 'specific and neglected demographic group.'
Risk levels for mental disorders, trauma, and suicide are described as 'substantially higher than average.'
This elevated risk context motivates the development and testing of targeted SEWB interventions for this population.
The study represents a mixed methods investigation including a randomised controlled feasibility trial.
What This Means
This research suggests that a parenting and emotional wellbeing program designed specifically by and for First Nations men in remote Australia may help improve how those men feel about themselves and their place in their community. The study, called Enabling Dads, was run across three remote Aboriginal communities in Far North Queensland with 68 adult fathers. Men who participated in the program reported feeling more energetic, more confident, more connected to their community, more centered and focused, and less angry compared to men who did not participate — though these differences were not large enough to be statistically definitive, partly because the study was designed as a preliminary feasibility trial rather than a large-scale definitive test.
The study used both surveys and in-depth conversations with participants to understand the program's effects. The survey results were supported and expanded upon by what men said in the qualitative interviews, giving a fuller picture of the program's potential benefits. Importantly, the program was created and delivered by First Nations people themselves, which may have contributed to its cultural relevance and acceptability.
This research matters because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men face much higher rates of mental health problems, trauma, and suicide than the broader Australian population, yet programs specifically designed for this group — particularly fathers — are rare. The findings suggest that community-led, culturally grounded parenting programs could be a promising way to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations fathers, and that larger studies are warranted to confirm these early encouraging results.
Reilly L, Adams M, Tay A, Deemal P, Diamond B, Silove D, et al.. (2026). A Community-Led Social and Emotional Well-being Trial Intervention With First Nations Male Parents in Remote Australian Indigenous Communities.. American journal of men's health. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883251365069