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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.
Objective:
A community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in urban areas characterized by high levels of disadvantage to test the effectiveness of the Incredible Years BASIC parent training program (IYBP) for children with behavioral problems. Potential moderators of intervention effects on child behavioral outcomes were also explored.
Method:
Families were included if the child (aged 32-88 months) scored above a clinical cutoff on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). Participants (n = 149) were randomly allocated on a 2:1 ratio to an intervention group (n = 103) or a waiting-list control group (n = 46). Child behavior, parenting skills, and parent well-being were assessed at baseline and 6 months later using parent-report and independent observations. An intention-to-treat analysis of covariance was used to examine postintervention differences between groups.
Results:
Statistically significant differences in child disordered behavior favored the intervention group on the ECBI Intensity (effect size = 0.7, p < .001) and Problem subscales (effect size = 0.75, p < .001). Intervention effects on child hyperactive-inattentive behaviors and social competence, as well as parent competencies and well-being, were also found. Moderator analyses showed that the effects of the IYBP intervention on the primary child outcomes were not moderated by child or family demographic characteristics or risk factors.
Conclusion:
The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the IYBP in alleviating problem behavior among children and in improving well-being among families living in disadvantaged areas. The findings also highlight the importance of parental intervention in early childhood for parents and children most in need of support.
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