The effectiveness of parenting programs in regard to improving parental reflective functioning: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Parenting interventions aim to enhance parental reflective functioning (RF).
• Existing research on the effectiveness of these interventions shows conflicting results.
• A meta-analytic review is needed to synthesize current evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of group-based parenting interventions in improving parental RF.
• To provide conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of these interventions.
• To explore factors influencing intervention effectiveness through moderator analyses.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search was conducted for relevant studies published before November 2019.
• 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Meta-analytic techniques and moderator analyses were employed to assess intervention effects and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The overall meta-analysis indicated a significant small pooled effect size (Hedge's g = 0.279, p = 0.002) for group-based parenting interventions on parental RF.
• However, the pooled effect size from the 3 RCTs was non-significant (Hedge's g = 0.189, p = 0.244), highlighting limited high-quality evidence.
• Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies (Q = 32.486, p = 0.003).
• Moderator analyses revealed that interventions involving children in middle childhood had a larger effect size compared to those for infants and early childhood.

Conclusions:

• Group-based parenting interventions demonstrate a small positive impact on parental reflective functioning.
• The current evidence base, particularly from RCTs, is limited, necessitating further rigorous research.
• Intervention effectiveness may be moderated by the age group of the children involved, with middle childhood showing greater benefits.