Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the effectiveness of structured-play (ENGAGE) and behavior management (TRIPLE
Dione Healey1, Matthew Healey2
1Department of Psychology, Box 56, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand. dionehealey@psy.otago.ac.nz.
Insights
Structured play therapy (ENGAGE) effectively reduces preschooler behavior problems, matching the gold standard (Triple P) in efficacy. Gains were sustained at 12-month follow-up, offering a valuable alternative for managing childhood behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Interventions
- Early Childhood Education
Background:
- Childhood behavior problems are a significant societal concern with long-term negative outcomes.
- Existing treatments for preschool behavior issues have limitations, necessitating alternative approaches.
- The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) is a tool for assessing behavioral concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a structured play-based intervention (ENGAGE) against behavior management (Triple P) for preschool behavior problems.
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of both interventions over a 12-month follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- Sixty families with children aged 3-4 years exhibiting hyperactivity (BASC-2 T-score ≥ 60) were recruited.
- Families were randomized into either the ENGAGE intervention group (n=29) or the Triple P group (n=31).
- The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; ACTRN12617001432303).
Main Results:
- Both ENGAGE and Triple P significantly reduced parent-rated problem behaviors, including hyperactivity, attention problems, and aggression.
- No significant differences in effectiveness were found between the ENGAGE and Triple P interventions.
- Treatment gains were maintained for both groups at the 12-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Structured play-based intervention (ENGAGE) is an effective alternative for managing preschooler behavior problems.
- ENGAGE demonstrates comparable efficacy to the established Triple P behavior management program.
- These findings expand treatment options for managing difficult behaviors in young children.
Abstract:
Children's behavior problems are a growing concern in our society; and are associated with a wide array of adverse lifespan outcomes. Current treatments are not without limitations and while effective for many, do not help all children. As such, additional treatment options are required. Sixty families of children aged 3 and 4 years participated. In order to participate, children needed to have a T-score of 60 or above on the parent rated Hyperactivity subscale on the BASC-2. Families were randomly assigned to either a structured play-based intervention (ENGAGE; n = 29), or to the current gold standard treatment for preschool behavior problems, behavior management (Triple P; n = 31). This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR); trial number ACTRN12617001432303; trial web address: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12617001432303.aspx ; date registered; 10/10/2017. ENGAGE was found to be as effective as Triple P in reducing parent-rated problem behaviors in pre-schoolers (i.e., Hyperactivity, Attention Problems, and Aggression); with gains maintained over a 12-month follow-up period, for both interventions. These findings indicate that structured play is an equally effective alternative way to manage difficult behavior in preschoolers and compliments our current treatment options.
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