Extension agents and specialists have experienced increased pressure for greater program effectiveness and accountability and especially for evidence-based programs. This article builds on previously published evidence-based programming articles. It provides ideas that address three problems that Extension staff face with EBPs and that Extension…

The number of obese children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research has identified a clear connection between parental income, education, ethnicity, and the risk for obesity. Recent research demonstrates that parenting style may also impact the ability to establish healthy eating environments. This article reviews a program, currently…

The prevalence of overweight children and adults has been increasing steadily over the past three decades. Behaviors related to diet and nutrition are often established in early childhood. Toddlers most often develop healthy eating habits through parent modeling. Due to the steady increase in obesity in children, there is a clear need for…

A study of third- through fifth-graders (n=1,253, 53% 4-H members) indicated a preference for both cooperation and competition; members and nonmembers had similar scores on unconditional parental support and cooperative learning orientation; nonmembers scored higher on competitive learning. Children who preferred cooperative learning scored higher…

Research on stress, burnout, and family-work balance among extension agents in several states identified factors influencing stress. Effective stress management techniques were derived from successful extension workshops. Also needed are systemic changes in policies and in practices that contribute to high stress. (SK)

Participants in cooperative extension family life programs (N=916) identified family strains, coping, quality of life, self-esteem, stress, and willingness to support extension services with tax dollars. The resulting normative data can be used to measure the impact of cooperative extension programs. (SK)

Describes an inservice training program to reduce job stress and to improve the time management proficiencies of Kentucky extension agents. (SK)

The Cooperative Extension Program Evaluation Survey tests seven variables: behavioral change, tax dollars, support, family coping, quality of life, self-esteem, and stress and depression. Tests in family life programs in two states with 244 participants demonstrated its usefulness. (SK)

Five educational programs to strengthen marriage and family skills were delivered in 2 states to 244 participants. Two to 5 months later, 50-88% made positive behavioral changes; 73-100% approved of tax-dollar support for the programs. The communication program significantly increased self-esteem and family functioning. (SK)