Abstract
Although parent interventions are recommended as a frontline treatment approach for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a number of practical and situational barriers can impact accessibility and availability. Self-help parent interventions offer a potential alternative to therapist-led interventions when barriers prevent access to face-to-face treatment. This qualitative study aims to explore participant views and acceptability of self-help parent interventions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents/carers of 12 children (age 6-10 years) with ADHD who received the self-help version of the New Forest Parenting Programme (NFPP-SH) as part of a randomised controlled trial. Thematic analysis (as proposed by Braun and Clarke) was used to analyse the data. Overall, participants had favourable views of the self-help intervention but also experienced some barriers to treatment adherence. Six key themes were identified in parent interviews related to parental desire to learn more; acquisition of new skills; the flexibility of the intervention; self-help intervention vs. traditional therapist-led formats; barriers to engagement in the home environment; and need for earlier access to help. NFPP-SH was an acceptable intervention for parents. However, some parents may need additional support to overcome barriers associated with completing an intervention at home. Implications for healthcare providers and researchers developing self-help parent interventions for ADHD and child behaviour are discussed.
Highlights
Parent interventions are effective treatments for behavioural problems in young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are recommended as a frontline treatment approach (NICE, 2018; Tarver, Daley, & Sayal, 2014)
The current study describes interviews conducted with participants who received NFPP-SH as part of the RCT
The programme includes ideas for parent-led games and activities aimed at targeting self-regulatory and executive function deficits often present in children with ADHD (Sonuga-Barke et al, 2018)
Summary
Parent interventions are effective treatments for behavioural problems in young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are recommended as a frontline treatment approach (NICE, 2018; Tarver, Daley, & Sayal, 2014). Parent interventions are recommended as a frontline treatment approach for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a number of practical and situational barriers can impact accessibility and availability. Self-help parent interventions offer a potential alternative to therapist-led interventions when barriers prevent access to face-to-face treatment. This qualitative study aims to explore participant views and acceptability of self-help parent interventions. Six key themes were identified in parent interviews related to parental desire to learn more; acquisition of new skills; the flexibility of the intervention; self-help intervention vs traditional therapist-led formats; barriers to engagement in the home environment; and need for earlier access to help. Implications for healthcare providers and researchers developing selfhelp parent interventions for ADHD and child behaviour are discussed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
