A Parenting Program to Prevent Child Maltreatment in China: A Pretest–Posttest-Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of adapted Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children to prevent child maltreatment in the Mainland China. Methods: A pre–post-follow-up study was designed and 54 Chinese parents received the eight-session online parenting intervention between February 4 and March 25, 2023. Results: Forty-one participants (75.9%) completed post-assessment and 36 (66.7%) completed 3-month follow-up assessment. Participants reported reduced child maltreatment, especially in emotional abuse and corporal punishment after the intervention, and the effect was maintained in 3-month follow-up. Improved positive parenting behaviors and decreased child externalizing behaviors were also observed for pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments. However, there were no significant changes in parental stress, parent–child relationship, parental depressive symptoms, and social support. Conclusions: The online Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children program for Chinese parents has shown promise in reducing child maltreatment, improving positive parenting, and decreasing children's problem behaviors, although randomized controlled trials are needed in future studies.