Evidence-informed program development: Using a common components approach to develop universal parenting programs for U.S. military and civilian families

Program development is a complex, iterative process involving multiple steps and decision points. This article presents the common components approach as comparatively efficient, heuristic tool for deciding what content to include in a new program on the basis of current manualized evidence-based programs, alongside theory, basic research findings, and professional judgment. A case study of how this approach was used to develop a universal parenting program for U.S. military and civilian parents of infants (birth to 12 months) is presented. Lessons learned in applying a common components methodology to program development and implications for others who are interested in using the approach in their program work are also discussed.