title: The effectiveness of infant simulators.
abstract: This study investigated the effect of using infant simulators with a structured, competency-based curriculum by examining the infant care behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward parenting and sexual behavior. The sample of 236 students included 112 males and 124 females ranging in age from 14 to 18 years. This sample was randomly assigned to an experimental group of 174 and a control group of 62. The experimental group completed the New York State parenting curriculum, which focused on reflection-based parenting skills with specific childcare competencies. The findings indicate that the infant simulator is an effective tool for teaching childcare skills. When combined with a well-designed curriculum, it enhances the likelihood that student attitudes toward sexuality/parenting issues can be significantly modified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Wellness, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York 14222, USA. robertsw@buffalostate.edu
authors.forename: Scott W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: McCowan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D002668:Child Rearing; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting; D016544:Patient Simulation