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Parent-child development center follow-up project: child behavior problem results.
1University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA. dljohnson@uh.edu
The Journal of Primary Prevention
|June 28, 2006
Summary
Long-term follow-up of Parent-Child Development Centers (PCDCs) found few significant differences in preventing child behavior problems. This study cautions against viewing early prevention programs as permanent solutions.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Parent-Child Development Centers (PCDCs) aim to prevent childhood behavior problems.
- Previous research indicated short-term positive effects of PCDCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the long-term effectiveness of PCDCs in preventing child behavior problems.
- To assess outcomes 6-13 years after program completion.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 581 children across three PCDC sites (Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston).
- Data collected via interviews with mothers and teachers.
- Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for outcome measurement.
Main Results:
- Few significant differences were observed between PCDC participants and control groups at long-term follow-up.
- Early cohorts in the Houston PCDC showed significant differences on the CBCL.
Conclusions:
- The long-term impact of PCDCs on preventing behavior problems may be limited.
- Findings suggest early prevention programs may not offer lasting 'inoculation' effects.
- Implementation differences across sites and cohorts warrant further investigation.