Evaluation of the Incredible Years Series - an open study of its effects when first introduced in Sweden
Ulf Axberg1, Kjell Hansson, Anders G Broberg
1Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, SE-405 30, Sweden. ulf.axberg@psy.gu.se
Insights
The Incredible Years Series (IYS) parent-training program effectively reduced behavior management problems in children aged 3-9 in Sweden. Mothers also reported improved psychological well-being after the program.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
- Parent Training Programs
Background:
- Behavior management problems (BMP) affect 4-12% of children and are linked to long-term psychosocial issues.
- Persistent antisocial behavior in children requires effective intervention strategies.
- Structured parent-training programs are the most effective treatment for childhood BMP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Series (IYS) parent-training program in diverse Swedish clinical settings.
- To assess the impact of IYS on children's behavior management problems and mothers' psychological well-being.
- To determine if IYS is effective when implemented by group leaders undergoing training.
Main Methods:
- A manual-based parent-training program, the Incredible Years Series (IYS), was implemented in Sweden.
- 113 parents of children aged 3-9 participated in the study.
- Parents completed questionnaires on child symptoms and maternal well-being pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in children's behavior management problems were observed across all measures.
- Mothers reported a significant increase in their self-rated psychological well-being.
- The IYS program demonstrated effectiveness in a real-world clinical setting in Sweden.
Conclusions:
- The Incredible Years Series (IYS) is an effective intervention for childhood behavior management problems in Sweden.
- The program benefits not only children but also improves maternal psychological well-being.
- Manualized, evidence-based programs are crucial for successful implementation of new therapeutic models.
Abstract:
Behaviour management problems (BMP) are common among children (4-12%) and the prevalence seems to be rising. Persistent antisocial behaviour often leads to poor long-term psychosocial adjustment. Structured parent-training programmes have proven to be the most effective way of treating BMP in young children. The Incredible Years Series (IYS), which is a manual-based programme, was introduced in Sweden in 2001. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of IYS in diverse clinical settings in Sweden. Parents of 113 children (3-9 years), recruited through the IYS-trained group leaders' ordinary services, participated in the study. The parents answered various questionnaires regarding their children's symptoms and their own psychological well-being before and after participating in the parent-training groups. The results are very encouraging; significant reduction of BMP in the children was found on all relevant measures. A significant increase in the self-rated well-being of the mothers was also found. The IYS seems to work in Sweden, even when used by group leaders who are in training. The importance of using a well-documented manualized method when implementing new models is accentuated.
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