Research

Research

Kieran McKeown has undertaken a number of research studies on the well-being of families and children. These are essentially epidemiological studies to establish baseline data on the prevalence and determinants of need and well-being. The studies are based on surveys of national and local samples using structured questionnaires. Data analysis typically involved advanced statistical techniques, notably multiple regression and structural equation modelling, to identify latent constructs and identify the correlates of need and well-being. Here are some of the main research studies undertaken:

National Study of Child and Parent Well-Being (2011)

This was based on analysis of the Growing Up in Ireland dataset (GUI), using the 9-year old cohort (8,570 nine-year old children) and confined to two-parent families; data was collected between September 2007 and June 2008. The results of this study are directly relevant to the design and delivery of services for children and families because they provide a map of how services could be aligned with the ‘naturally’ occurring processes of well-being in a random sample of Irish families. Specifically, the study identifies the risk and protective factors associated with the well-being of children and their parents, including the relative importance of proximal and distal factors.

National Study of Family Well-Being (2002-2003)

This was based on a nationally representative sample of 1,500 households using standardised instruments to measure different components and determinants of child and parent well-being: personality, mental health, relationships, socio-economic characteristics, neighbourhood quality, access to services.

Local Studies of Child and Family Well-Being (2004-2007)

These studies assessed the prevalence of mental health needs, and their correlates, among children and their parents in a range of local settings across the country including Dublin, Limerick, Mayo, Bray, Wicklow. This was based on a similar methodology to the national study of family well-being.

Impact of Drug-Use on Families (1993, 1999, 2006)

The impact of drug use on individuals and their families was assessed in a number of studies. This involved comparing the mental health and well-being of persons who use drugs with nationally representative samples of the population on a range of mental health and well-being indicators.

Desk-Top Reviews of Existing Research (2000-2013)

These reviews were commissioned to give a state-of-the-art synopsis of research in the following areas:

  • what works in family support services
  • costs and benefits of supporting families
  • review of research on fathers
  • prevalence of special educational needs among children
  • families and parenting
  • male mental health
  • educational disadvantage
  • new communities
  • evidence required to support development of services for children and families
  • population ageing and its implications
  • health and social care needs and preferences of older people at end of life