A parenting intervention for childhood behavioral problems: a randomized controlled trial in disadvantaged

Sinead McGilloway1, Grainne Ni Mhaille1, Tracey Bywater2

  • 1Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland.

Insights

The Incredible Years BASIC parent training program (IYBP) effectively reduced behavioral problems in young children from disadvantaged urban areas. This parent intervention also improved overall family well-being, showing significant positive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Disadvantaged urban areas often present unique challenges for child development and parenting.
  • Behavioral problems in early childhood require effective, accessible interventions.
  • Parent training programs are a key strategy for addressing child behavioral issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Incredible Years BASIC parent training program (IYBP) for children with behavioral problems in high-disadvantage urban settings.
  • To identify potential moderators of intervention effects on child behavioral outcomes.
  • To assess the impact of IYBP on parenting skills and parent well-being.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 149 families with children aged 32-88 months exhibiting behavioral problems (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory [ECBI] clinical cutoff).
  • Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=103) or a waiting-list control group (n=46).
  • Intention-to-treat analysis of covariance examined differences in child behavior, parenting skills, and parent well-being at baseline and 6 months.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant reductions in child disordered behavior were observed in the intervention group on ECBI Intensity (effect size = 0.7) and Problem (effect size = 0.75) subscales.
  • Positive intervention effects were noted for child hyperactive-inattentive behaviors, social competence, and parent competencies and well-being.
  • Moderator analyses indicated that demographic characteristics and risk factors did not significantly alter the intervention's effects on primary child outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The Incredible Years BASIC parent training program (IYBP) is effective in reducing problem behaviors in children and enhancing family well-being in disadvantaged urban areas.
  • Parental intervention is crucial for supporting families and children facing significant challenges.
  • The findings support the widespread implementation of IYBP for at-risk populations.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Community Based Intervention01:30

Community Based Intervention

Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...