Positive Parenting Strategies Research Articles

Hassle Free Mealtimes Triple P: A randomised controlled trial of a brief parenting group for childhood mealtime difficulties

Mealtime difficulties are common in typically developing young children. Easily accessible, wide-reaching, early intervention is needed to meet demand for assistance, and prevent the development of more serious feeding and psychosocial problems. Behavioural parent training is an efficacious intervention for childhood mealtime problems, however, existing programmes are long, intensive, and costly. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a brief parenting discussion group for young children's mealtime difficulties. Eighty-six parents of 2- to 5-year-old children with mealtime difficulties participated in a randomised controlled trial of Hassle Free Mealtimes Triple P (HFMTP; Morawska & Sanders, 2012), a 2-h discussion group on positive parenting strategies specific to the mealtime context. Results of parent-report measures showed that after intervention, there were significant improvements with large effect sizes in children's mealtime behaviour, parents' mealtime practices and cognitions, and both mealtime and general parenting confidence, compared to a waitlist control group. Parents also reported high satisfaction with the programme and effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up. These results support the efficacy of a brief parenting discussion group for childhood mealtime difficulties. This low intensity format of intervention has the potential to meet the high demand for assistance with young children's mealtime difficulties.

A Case Study of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Comorbid disruptive behavior disorders occur in up to 80% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often present as inattentive, noncompliant, and aggressive, making it difficult for them to engage in learning and social activities across settings. Parents and school staff report spending excessive time managing disruptive behaviors at the expense of engaging these children in meaningful skill development. Identifying effective interventions to decrease disruptive behaviors and increase positive skill development is of critical importance to improving outcomes for children with ASD. This case study presents the effectiveness of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, an evidence-based intervention for young children with disruptive behavior, for addressing behavioral problems in a 7-year-old boy with ASD. Results suggested improvements in child compliance and decrease in disruptive behaviors. Further, parents increased their use of positive parenting strategies, including giving effective commands all of which serve to improve the parent–child relationship. Treatment implications for working with young children with ASD are discussed.

Parenting Behaviors During Risky Driving by Teens With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Parenting practices for teen drivers with ADHD were observed via a video monitor installed in vehicles. All teens had recently completed a driver education course and were in the driving permit stage of a graduated driver-licensing program. Parent behaviors were coded during drives when teens were driving safely and during drives when teens engaged in risky driving. The overall frequency of positive parenting strategies was low, regardless of whether teens drove safely or engaged in risky driving. Although the rate of negative feedback was also low, parents engaged in significantly more criticism and were rated by an observer to appear angrier when teens were driving in a risky manner. No other differences in parent behaviors associated with the quality of teen driving were observed. The inconsistencies between observed parenting behaviors and those parenting practices recommended as effective with teens with ADHD are discussed. The need for further research addressing effective strategies for teaching teens with ADHD to drive is highlighted.

Assessing the short-term outcomes of a community-based intervention for overweight and obese children: The MEND 5-7 programme

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report outcomes of the UK service level delivery of MEND (Mind,Exercise,Nutrition...Do it!) 5-7, a multicomponent, community-based, healthy lifestyle intervention designed for overweight and...

Child Physical Abuse—Experiences of Combined Treatment for Children and their Parents: A Pilot Study

This paper reports on the results of treatment for families where child physical abuse has occurred. The Combined Parent–Child Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Families at Risk for Child Physical Abuse (CPC-CBT) model includes parent and child interventions. Four teams (within child protection and child and adolescent psychiatry services, based in Sweden) were trained to run the treatment. CPC-CBT is a 16-session programme where children and parents receive treatment in parallel groups and joint family sessions. A pilot study, with pre and post measures for both children and parents, was carried out to evaluate the treatment effects (18 families, 26 adults and 25 children). Significantly decreased symptoms of depression among parents, less use of violent parenting strategies and less inconsistent parenting were reported after treatment. Children initially reported high levels of traumatic experiences and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. After treatment, trauma symptoms and depression among children were significantly reduced. Children also reported that parents used significantly less violence and increased positive parenting strategies after completion of the treatment. The implications of the findings are discussed.

A controlled evaluation of a brief parenting psychoeducation intervention in Burundi

Conduct problems and emotional distress have been identified as key problems among children and adolescents in post-war Burundi. This pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of a brief parenting psychoeducation intervention on children's mental health. This study employs a controlled pre and post evaluation design. The two-session psychoeducation intervention was offered to groups of parents of children (mean age 12.3 years, 60.8 % female) who had been screened for elevated psychosocial distress. Children in the intervention group (n = 58) were compared to a waitlist control group (n = 62). Outcome indicators included child-reported levels of aggression (using the Aggression Questionnaire), depression symptoms (using the Depression Self Rating Scale) and perceived family social support. The intervention had a beneficial effect on reducing conduct problems compared to the control condition (Cohen d = 0.60), especially among boys, while not showing impact on depression symptoms or family social support. Parents evaluated the intervention positively, with increased awareness of positive parenting strategies and appropriate disciplinary techniques reported as the most common learning points. A brief parenting psychoeducation intervention conducted by lay community counselors is a promising public health strategy in dealing with widespread conduct problems in boys living in violence-affected settings and not so for social and emotional indicators and for girls. An efficacy study is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.

Maternal Empathy and Changes in Mothers’ Permissiveness as Predictors of Toddlers’ Early Social Competence with Peers: A Parenting Intervention Study

The goal of the current study was to examine how changes in parenting due to a parenting intervention designed to decrease permissive parenting affected the quality of children’s peer interactions. Forty-nine mothers of toddlers aged 2–3 years participated in a 12-week intervention in which half got hands-on training and practice using positive guidance in a toddler classroom setting, while the other half learned positive guidance solely via a seminar format. To observe children’s peer interactions, toddlers were divided into 8 groups of 5–7 children mixed across condition. Observers coded mothers’ empathy, permissiveness, and positive guidance parenting strategies. Children’s peer interactions were coded for antisocial behaviors, verbal aggression, physical aggression, prosocial behaviors, positive social bids, and empathy. Prior analysis of this intervention indicated that mothers in both conditions showed reductions in permissiveness over the course of the intervention. Results from the present study indicated that reductions in permissiveness predicted decreases in toddlers’ verbal aggression. Maternal empathy was a moderator such that mothers low in empathy who got hands-on training in positive guidance had children who demonstrated the greatest reductions in antisocial behaviors.

Lifestyle Triple P: a parenting intervention for childhood obesity

BackgroundReversing the obesity epidemic requires the development and evaluation of childhood obesity intervention programs. Lifestyle Triple P is a parent-focused group program that addresses three topics: nutrition, physical activity, and positive parenting. Australian research has established the efficacy of Lifestyle Triple P, which aims to prevent excessive weight gain in overweight and obese children. The aim of the current randomized controlled trial is to assess the effectiveness of the Lifestyle Triple P intervention when applied to Dutch parents of overweight and obese children aged 4–8 years. This effectiveness study is called GO4fit.Methods/DesignParents of overweight and obese children are being randomized to either the intervention or the control group. Those assigned to the intervention condition receive the 14-week Lifestyle Triple P intervention, in which they learn a range of nutritional, physical activity and positive parenting strategies. Parents in the control group receive two brochures, web-based tailored advice, and suggestions for exercises to increase active playing at home. Measurements are taken at baseline, directly after the intervention, and at one year follow-up. Primary outcome measure is the children’s body composition, operationalized as BMI z-score, waist circumference, and fat mass (biceps and triceps skinfolds). Secondary outcome measures are children’s dietary behavior and physical activity level, parenting practices, parental feeding style, parenting style, parental self-efficacy, and body composition of family members (parents and siblings).DiscussionOur intervention is characterized by a focus on changing general parenting styles, in addition to focusing on changing specific parenting practices, as obesity interventions typically do. Strengths of the current study are the randomized design, the long-term follow-up, and the broad range of both self-reported and objectively measured outcomes.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials NTR 2555MEC AzM/UMNL 31988.068.10 / MEC 10-3-052

The Application of a Three-Tier Model of Intervention to Parent Training.

A three-tier intervention system was designed for use with parents with preschool children with developmental disabilities to modify parent-child interactions. A single-subject changing-conditions design was used to examine the utility of a three-tier intervention system in reducing negative parenting strategies, increasing positive parenting strategies, and reducing child behavior problems in parent-child dyads (n = 8). The three intervention tiers consisted of (a) self-administered reading material, (b) group training, and (c) individualized video feedback sessions. Parental behavior was observed to determine continuation or termination of intervention. Results support the utility of a tiered model of intervention to maximize treatment outcomes and increase efficiency by minimizing the need for more costly time-intensive interventions for participants who may not require them.

Evaluation of a Brief Parenting Discussion Group for Parents of Young Children

Although behavioral parenting programs are effective at treating child behavioral problems, a significant number of parents experiencing these problems do not receive help, and briefer, more cost-effective parenting interventions are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a brief parenting discussion group. Sixty-seven parents were randomly assigned to either an intervention or waitlist control condition. Parents in the intervention condition took part in a 2-hour discussion group in which they were taught positive parenting strategies to prevent and manage their child's disobedience, and they received 2 follow-up telephone calls after the discussion group. Results showed that after intervention, there were reductions in child behavior problems and use of dysfunctional parenting and improvements in parental self-efficacy and the parenting experience for parents. These effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up. The results are promising because they show that a brief intervention can be minimally sufficient to improve child and parent outcomes for parents experiencing high levels of child behavior problems.

Enhancing positive development of children: Effects of a multilevel randomized controlled intervention on parenting and child problem behavior

Parent-oriented and school-oriented programs that aim to improve child behavior and mental health are well established, few studies focus on the possibility of additional benefits arising from a combined intervention. This study uses a randomized control trial and assesses whether the combination of two standardized evidence-based intervention programs, Triple P (a self-directed parent-oriented intervention that focuses on strengthening parenting skills) and Fit and Strong for Life (a school-based intervention that focuses on stress management skills for children), was more likely to improve parenting and child behavior compared to either program alone and to a no-treatment control group. Data including pre- and post-test measures, as well as four- month follow-up data, were obtained from 78 teachers and 745 parents. Using linear mixed models, results showed that parents in the self-directed Triple P condition engaged in less negative parenting behavior, more positive parenting strategies, scored lower on...

Using household survey data to inform policy decisions regarding the delivery of evidence‐based parenting interventions

This study used household survey data on the prevalence of child, parent and family variables to establish potential targets for a population-level intervention to strengthen parenting skills in the community. The goals of the intervention include decreasing child conduct problems, increasing parental self-efficacy, use of positive parenting strategies, decreasing coercive parenting and increasing help-seeking, social support and participation in positive parenting programmes. A total of 4010 parents with a child under the age of 12 years completed a statewide telephone survey on parenting. One in three parents reported that their child had a behavioural or emotional problem in the previous 6 months. Furthermore, 9% of children aged 2-12 years meet criteria for oppositional defiant disorder. Parents who reported their child's behaviour to be difficult were more likely to perceive parenting as a negative experience (i.e. demanding, stressful and depressing). Parents with greatest difficulties were mothers without partners and who had low levels of confidence in their parenting roles. About 20% of parents reported being stressed and 5% reported being depressed in the 2 weeks prior to the survey. Parents with personal adjustment problems had lower levels of parenting confidence and their child was more difficult to manage. Only one in four parents had participated in a parent education programme. Implications for the setting of population-level goals and targets for strengthening parenting skills are discussed.

Prevention of behavioral disorders in primary care

This article reviews selected parenting programs for children aged 2-8 years old to inform primary-care pediatricians about options for families of children with behavior problems. Young children with aggressive and oppositional behavior are at risk for serious antisocial behavior that may persist into adolescence and adulthood. Most parents wish to discuss parenting difficulties and their child's social and emotional development during well-child visits. Parent training programs are an effective option to promote positive parenting and discipline strategies and enhance a child's social skills, emotional self-regulatory skills, and problem-solving ability. Key parenting principles can be incorporated into developmental surveillance and anticipatory guidance during periodic well-child visits to prevent disruptive behavior problems, address parenting concerns, and nurture the optimal development of children's social-emotional competency. The literature on the effectiveness of evidence-based parenting programs is growing. This information can enhance practicing pediatricians' understanding of available community resources and parenting support. These programs are feasible with families of various cultures and those at risk for parenting difficulties. Pediatricians can easily incorporate positive parenting principles into primary-care visits and developmental surveillance.

The aggressive and impulsive child: Innovations in assessment and treatment – A commentary

The aggressive and impulsive child: Innovations in assessment and treatment – A commentary

Preventive Intervention for Maltreated Preschool Children: Impact on Children's Behavior, Neuroendocrine Activity, and Foster Parent Functioning

This article describes the results of a pilot study that evaluated the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Foster Care (EIFC) program in the period immediately following a child's placement in a new foster home. Data were collected from an EIFC group, a regular foster care group, and a community comparison group-each with 10 participants-via questionnaires for children and their caretakers and salivary cortisol sampling. EIFC foster parents adopted and maintained positive parenting strategies, EIFC children's behavioral adjustment improved, and changes occurred in several salivary cortisol measures. Moreover, regular foster care children exhibited decrements in functioning in several areas over the same time period. Results are discussed with regard to how such research fits into a larger program of prevention research for high-risk preschool children.

Parent characteristics and parent-child interactions in families of nonproblem children and ADHD children with higher and lower levels of oppositional-defiant behavior.

This study examined parent-child interactions and parent characteristics in families of nonproblem children and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with lower (ADHD-LOD) and higher (ADHD-HOD) levels of oppositional-defiant behavior. Families of ADHD children were recruited from a parent training program. Observed and parent-reported child behavior problems were highest in the ADHD-HOD group. Observed parent behavior revealed few differences, but daily reports indicated that parents in both ADHD groups used more negative-reactive and fewer positive parenting strategies than control parents. Maternal psychological functioning differed between the ADHD and nonproblem groups, but not between the two ADHD groups. Fathers of ADHD-HOD children reported more psychological disturbance than controls. Parenting self-esteem was lowest in the ADHD-HOD group and highest in the nonproblem group. The results support the LOD and HOD distinction, but also suggest that, although certain difficulties are more common in the families of ADHD-HOD children, families of ADHD-LOD children also differ from controls on a number of dimensions.