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Preventive intervention for urban, low-income preschoolers at familial risk for conduct problems: a randomized pilot
Laurie Miller Brotman1, Rachel G Klein, Dimitra Kamboukos
1New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY 10016, USA. laurie.miller.2@med.nyu.edu
Insights
This pilot study shows a parenting program is feasible for high-risk families. The intervention improved parenting practices, suggesting prevention is promising for families facing multiple challenges.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Preschoolers at high risk for behavior problems often come from challenging environments.
- Family history of antisocial behavior and low-income urban settings are significant risk factors.
- Intensive prevention programs are needed for these vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the feasibility of a prevention program for promoting positive parenting.
- To assess program engagement and satisfaction in high-risk families.
- To evaluate the program's impact on parenting practices.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 30 preschoolers (ages 2.5-5) and their parents.
- Random assignment to a 1-year home- and clinic-based intervention or a control group.
- Assessment of parenting practices and program attendance/satisfaction.
Main Results:
- High attendance and satisfaction rates were achieved despite multiple family risk factors.
- Intervention parents demonstrated significantly more responsive and positive parenting.
- The program proved feasible for engaging high-risk families.
Conclusions:
- Intensive prevention programs can successfully engage families with multiple risk factors.
- Positive changes in parenting practices were observed, indicating program effectiveness.
- Preventive approaches show promise for improving outcomes in at-risk families.
Abstract:
Conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a prevention program for promoting parenting in families of preschoolers at high risk for behavior problems. Risk status was based on a family history of antisocial behavior and residence in a low-income, urban community. Thirty preschoolers (ages 21/2 to 5) and their parents were randomly assigned to a 1-year, home- and clinic-based intervention or to a no-intervention control condition. Despite families' multiple risk factors, high rates of attendance and satisfaction were achieved. Relative to controls, intervention parents were observed to be significantly more responsive and use more positive parenting practices. Results support the feasibility of engaging high-risk families in an intensive prevention program. The meaningful changes achieved in parenting suggest that a preventive approach is promising for families with multiple risk factors.