Tri-ministry study: correlates of school-based parenting course utilization

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Family Studies
• Educational Interventions

Background:

• School-based parent training programs are widely available but face challenges in uptake.
• Understanding factors influencing enrollment is crucial for optimizing intervention reach.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated barriers for families with children's behavioral issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with the utilization of school-based parent training.
• To identify predictors of enrollment among families with children aged 5-8 years.
• To explore reasons for nonparticipation in parent training interventions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, community-based sample of 1,498 children aged 5-8 years was screened.
• Parent-reported externalizing problems and demographic data were collected.
• Enrollment in universally available school-based parent training was assessed.

Main Results:

• Enrollment ranged from 28% to 46% for families with high externalizing problems.
• Increased enrollment was linked to externalizing problems, first-child status, and high school education.
• Lower enrollment was associated with single-parent status, immigrant background, and fewer child activities.
• Economic disadvantage, stress, family dysfunction, and parental depression did not affect participation.
• Primary reasons for nonparticipation were busy schedules, inconvenient timing, and logistical difficulties.

Conclusions:

• School-based parent training shows moderate uptake among families with children's externalizing problems.
• Socioeconomic and psychological factors are less influential than logistical barriers to participation.
• Addressing scheduling and logistical challenges is key to improving parent training program accessibility.