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A parent-based intervention programme involving preschoolers with AD/HD behaviours: are children's and mothers'

Andreia Fernandes Azevedo1, Maria João Seabra-Santos, Maria Filomena Gaspar

  • 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, aazpsi@gmail.com.

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The Incredible Years (IY) parent training program significantly reduced ADHD behaviors in preschoolers and improved maternal parenting over 12 months. These positive outcomes were sustained, indicating long-term benefits for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Intervention

Background:

  • Preschoolers with early hyperactive and inattentive behaviors (AD/HD behaviors) benefit from parent-based interventions.
  • The Incredible Years (IY) program is a parent training model designed to improve child behavior and parenting skills.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the 12-month efficacy of the Incredible Years (IY) parent training program.
  • To assess the impact of IY on children's AD/HD behaviors and mothers' parenting practices and competence.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 52 Portuguese preschoolers with early AD/HD behaviors and their mothers participated.
  • Mothers received the Incredible Years basic parent training (IY).
  • Children's and mothers' outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using reported and observational measures.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions in children's reported AD/HD behaviors at home and school were observed at 12 months.
  • Mothers showed decreased dysfunctional parenting practices and improved sense of competence and observed positive parenting.
  • Improvements in coaching skills observed at 6 months decreased by 12 months, but other gains were maintained with small effect sizes.

Conclusions:

  • The Incredible Years (IY) program demonstrates sustained 12-month efficacy for reducing AD/HD behaviors in preschoolers and enhancing maternal parenting.
  • The findings support the long-term benefits of IY as an early preventive intervention for children exhibiting early AD/HD behaviors.
  • Policy makers and professionals in Portugal should consider implementing IY for early intervention.

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