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Reducing preschoolers' disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group

Sabine Joachim1, Matthew R Sanders, Karen M T Turner

  • 1Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. s.joachim@uq.edu.au

Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A brief parent discussion group significantly reduced disruptive child behavior and improved parenting confidence. These positive effects on child behavior and parenting skills were sustained six months later.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Parenting Interventions
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Disruptive behavior in preschool children during shopping trips presents a significant challenge for parents.
  • Parenting styles and confidence are crucial factors influencing child behavior management.
  • Brief, accessible interventions are needed to support parents in managing challenging child behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a short, 2-hour parent discussion group intervention.
  • To assess the impact of the intervention on preschool children's disruptive behavior during shopping trips.
  • To examine changes in parenting styles, parental confidence, adjustment, and conflict over parenting.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 46 parents of children aged 2-6 years.
  • Participants were assigned to either an immediate intervention group or a waitlist control group.
  • Measures included child behavior, parenting styles, parental confidence, adjustment, and conflict, assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group showed significant reductions in problem child behavior.
  • Parents in the intervention group reported less dysfunctional parenting styles and increased confidence.
  • No significant differences were observed in parental adjustment or conflict over parenting between groups.
  • Intervention gains were maintained at the 6-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusions:

  • A brief parent discussion group is an effective intervention for reducing disruptive preschooler behavior during shopping trips.
  • The intervention positively impacts parenting confidence and style, with lasting effects.
  • Findings support the integration of such programs within primary care and public health settings.

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