A controlled clinical evaluation of the parents plus children's programme: a video-based programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11 with behavioural and developmental problems

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Parenting Interventions

Background:

• Children aged 6-11 referred to Child Mental Health Services often present with significant behavioral problems.
• Parenting programs are crucial for addressing these challenges and supporting child development.
• Existing interventions require evaluation for efficacy in real-world clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the clinic-based Parents Plus Children's Programme (PPCP).
• To assess the PPCP's effectiveness in reducing behavioral problems and parental stress.
• To compare the PPCP with Treatment as Usual (TAU) for children with behavioral issues, with or without developmental difficulties.

Main Methods:

• A sequential block design randomized 74 parents to the PPCP group (n=42) or TAU group (n=32).
• Assessments were conducted pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 5-month follow-up for the PPCP group.
• The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and parental stress measures were utilized.

Main Results:

• The PPCP group showed significant reductions in total difficulties and conduct problems compared to TAU.
• Parents in the PPCP group reported decreased stress and increased confidence.
• Improvements in parent-defined problems and goals were observed, maintained at follow-up, with additional gains in peer problems and prosocial behavior.

Conclusions:

• The Parents Plus Children's Programme (PPCP) is an effective intervention for children aged 6-11 with behavioral problems.
• The program demonstrates sustained positive effects on child behavior and parental well-being.
• The PPCP appears more beneficial for children with behavioral problems exclusively, compared to those with co-occurring developmental difficulties.