Efficacy of the parenting support program on child behavior problems

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Parenting Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Childhood behavior problems are a significant concern for parents and educators.
• Effective parenting strategies are crucial for fostering adaptive behaviors and mitigating behavioral issues.
• Existing interventions require evaluation for efficacy in diverse parent populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Parenting Support Program (PSP) in reducing problem behaviors.
• To assess the PSP's effectiveness in increasing adaptive behaviors in children aged 3-6.
• To explore parental and teacher perceptions of the PSP's impact.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with an experimental group (EG) and a wait-list (WL) control group.
• The EG received 12 individually delivered PSP sessions focusing on parenting skills.
• Data collected through parent/teacher reports, observations, and interviews.

Main Results:

• The PSP significantly increased adaptive behaviors and decreased problem behaviors in children compared to the WL group.
• A greater proportion of children in the EG met the Reliable Change Index criteria.
• Mothers reported more improvements than fathers within the experimental group.

Conclusions:

• The Parenting Support Program (PSP) is an effective intervention for improving child behavior.
• Qualitative data confirm the PSP's positive impact and alignment with parental expectations.
• The PSP shows promise as a tool for decreasing behavior problems and enhancing adaptive skills in young children.